Suns Defeat Warriors 111-96 in NBA Play-In Tournament

Jalen Green's 36 points lead Phoenix to victory over Stephen Curry's Golden State squad

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:03pm

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The Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 111-96 in the NBA's play-in tournament on Friday night. Jalen Green scored 36 points for the Suns, while Devin Booker added 20. The Suns locked down on defense, limiting Stephen Curry to just 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting. The win secures the Suns the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs, where they will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

Why it matters

This game was a crucial play-in matchup between two of the Western Conference's top teams. The Suns' victory means they will advance to the playoffs, while the Warriors' season has come to an end. The outcome could have major implications on the postseason landscape in the West.

The details

The Suns jumped out to an early 13-2 lead and led 33-15 after the first quarter. The Warriors fought back to cut the deficit to 50-45 at halftime, but the Suns pulled away in the second half. Jalen Green had a huge game for Phoenix, shooting 14-of-20 from the field and 8-of-14 from 3-point range. Jordan Goodwin also played a key role for the Suns with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 steals. Draymond Green and Devin Booker were both ejected late in the fourth quarter after receiving two technical fouls.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
  • The Suns will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs on Sunday.

The players

Jalen Green

A 24-year-old guard for the Phoenix Suns who scored a game-high 36 points in the win.

Devin Booker

A 29-year-old guard for the Phoenix Suns who scored 20 points before being ejected late in the game.

Stephen Curry

A 38-year-old guard for the Golden State Warriors who struggled, scoring just 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting.

Draymond Green

A veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors who was ejected late in the game after receiving two technical fouls.

Jordan Goodwin

A 25-year-old guard for the Phoenix Suns who had 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 steals in the win.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Suns will face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs on Sunday.

The takeaway

The Suns' dominant defensive performance and Jalen Green's scoring outburst proved too much for the Warriors, ending their season and sending Phoenix to the playoffs. This game highlighted the Suns' potential as a postseason contender and the Warriors' need to retool their roster in the offseason.