Key Takeaways:
- Jordan Goodwin secured a 99-98 victory for the Phoenix Suns with a decisive free throw just 0.4 seconds from full-time
- Devin Booker contributed 23 of his 25 points after half-time to spark the Suns’ comeback
- The Suns and Golden State Warriors will resume their series in San Francisco on Saturday
Dramatic Finish in Phoenix
Jordan Goodwin delivered under pressure for the Phoenix Suns, knocking down a crucial free throw with only 0.4 seconds remaining to seal a thrilling 99-98 win over the Golden State Warriors. Devin Booker powered the Suns’ resurgence after half-time, notching 23 of his 25 total points in the second half.
Golden State’s Stephen Curry levelled the game at 98 by sinking two free throws with 21.7 seconds to play, setting up a tense finale. As the Suns looked for a winner, Dillon Brooks missed a three-point attempt, but Goodwin collected the offensive rebound and was fouled on the putback. Though Goodwin missed his first free throw, he calmly converted the second, ultimately deciding the outcome.
HARD FOUGHT WIN!@match_mortgage | #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/H8cZvSqXWw
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 19, 2025
Key Contributions and Costly Errors
Brooks finished the night as the Suns’ leading scorer with 24 points, while Collin Gillespie chipped in 16. The Warriors were paced by Jimmy Butler, who dropped 31 points. Brandin Podziemski added 18 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the field, and Curry closed with 15 points. However, Curry struggled from the floor, going 3-of-13 overall and 2-of-9 from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to his 48-point explosion against Portland on Sunday.
A pivotal moment arrived late in the game when Brooks committed a Flagrant 1 foul on Curry after a three-point attempt, with Phoenix holding a 96-91 advantage with 38.3 seconds left. Curry converted both free throws and Butler immediately followed with a triple, levelling proceedings at 96 with 35.5 seconds remaining. Despite this setback, Phoenix held their nerve to escape with a narrow win.
Momentum Swings and Statistical Highlights
Golden State appeared in control early in the third quarter, establishing a 62-48 lead. Phoenix responded with a surge, and Booker’s three-pointer tied the contest at 66 shortly thereafter. The Warriors edged into the fourth quarter with a 71-70 lead. At half-time, the Warriors were seven points ahead, 53-46, with Butler contributing 16 points and Brooks scoring 20 for the Suns. Phoenix struggled with their shooting in the opening half, registering a field goal percentage of just 37%.
Golden State’s 20 turnovers proved costly as they surrendered their early advantage and ultimately left empty-handed.
| Player | Team | Points | Field Goals | 3-Point Field Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Butler | Warriors | 31 | 11/17 | 1/1 |
| Brandin Podziemski | Warriors | 18 | 8/11 | 2/3 |
| Stephen Curry | Warriors | 15 | 3/13 | 2/9 |
| Dillon Brooks | Suns | 24 | 10/23 | 4/9 |
| Devin Booker | Suns | 25 | 9/19 | 2/6 |
| Collin Gillespie | Suns | 16 | 5/12 | 1/6 |
Looking Ahead
The Suns and Warriors are slated to continue their encounter on Saturday in San Francisco, with both sides aiming to build on Thursday’s intense showdown.
