Jordan Goodwin, Jalen Green lift Phoenix Suns to play-in win

Suns' small-ball lineup proves too much for Warriors in high-stakes matchup

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:03pm

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The Phoenix Suns overcame a foot injury to starting center Mark Williams to defeat the Golden State Warriors 111-96 in a win-or-go-home play-in game. Led by Jordan Goodwin's career-high-tying 6 steals and Jalen Green's game-high 36 points, the Suns utilized a small-ball lineup throughout the third and fourth quarters to stifle the Warriors' offense and advance to the NBA playoffs.

Why it matters

The Suns' ability to adapt their lineup and play an unconventional small-ball style proved crucial in eliminating the Warriors, one of the league's perennial contenders. This victory showcases the Suns' resilience and tactical flexibility, which will be important assets as they prepare to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.

The details

With starting center Mark Williams sidelined due to injury, the Suns turned to a lineup of Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Collin Gillespie, Royce O'Neale, and Haywood Highsmith - all 6-feet-6 or shorter - for large stretches of the third and fourth quarters. This small-ball approach allowed the Suns to prioritize perimeter defense and limit the impact of Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, who was held to just 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting.

  • The Suns lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the SoFi Play-In Tournament on Tuesday, setting up a must-win game against the Warriors on Friday.
  • Throughout the regular season, Suns coach Jordan Ott frequently utilized small-ball lineups to maximize pace of play and perimeter defense.
  • The Suns' small-ball lineup was a key factor in their third-quarter surge that gave them a comfortable lead they would not relinquish.

The players

Jordan Goodwin

A 6-foot-3 Suns guard who had a career-high-tying 6 steals and 19 points in the win, providing stifling defense against Warriors star Stephen Curry.

Jalen Green

The Suns' leading scorer with a game-high 36 points, helping power the team's offense in the victory.

Jordan Ott

The Suns' head coach, who effectively utilized a small-ball lineup to counter the Warriors' perimeter-oriented attack.

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' superstar point guard, who was held to just 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting by the Suns' stifling defense.

Steve Kerr

The Warriors' head coach, who acknowledged that the Suns' small-ball approach dictated the course of the game.

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What they’re saying

“(Goodwin) was massive at both ends. We can't overstate his shot-making, but to hold (Curry), to 3 of 10 (from 3), 4 of 16 (from the field). … From where he started the season to now speaks volumes about who he is and what he's becoming as a basketball player. Super excited and happy he's on our team.”

— Jordan Ott, Suns Head Coach

“They controlled the game. They played small quite a bit and spread us out. They got 49 3-point shots up. Coming into the game our keys were keeping them off the free throw line, keeping them off the 3-point line. … We couldn't do that. … (Ott) did a great job putting them in positions to spread us out and play small and force turnovers. Their plan was a really good one and they pounced.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors Head Coach

“Congratulations to Phoenix. They're moving on to the playoffs. They deserve it. To every other team that kicked our ass this year, they deserved it. Got to take the good with the bad. The best foot we have we put forward and at he end of the day, as long as we do that, we got to live with it.”

— Draymond Green

What’s next

The Suns have clinched the Western Conference's eighth seed in the NBA playoffs, where they will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.

The takeaway

The Suns' ability to adapt their lineup and play an unconventional small-ball style proved crucial in eliminating the Warriors, showcasing the team's resilience and tactical flexibility as they prepare for the playoffs. This victory highlights the Suns' potential to be a dangerous underdog in the postseason.