SAN FRANCISCO — Heading into Tuesday night time’s recreation, the Golden State Warriors have been assured Stephen Curry’s return can be the piece they wanted to construct on the momentum they’d established throughout their homestand with out him.
Instead, the Warriors regarded like an identical model of the workforce they have been when Curry went down with a left shoulder subluxation, as they fell to the Phoenix Suns 125-113.
Just like earlier than he was injured, Curry did all the things in his energy to maintain his workforce in it. He scored 16 of his 24 factors within the fourth quarter. He shot 8-of-22 from the ground, together with 5-of-15 from 3, in 31 minutes general.
With simply over 4 minutes left within the recreation, Curry hit three consecutive 3-pointers to breathe life again into the workforce. Three minutes later, a Jordan Poole layup, a cease, a Poole 3 and one other cease pulled the Warriors inside six after they’d trailed by as a lot as 27.
Out of the timeout, Curry bought referred to as for a foul, sending Damion Lee to the road and giving the Suns a three-possession lead. Those free throws wound up being the dagger.
It was the primary time the Warriors had their true beginning lineup since Dec. 3, and it was clear the rust was being labored off.
Andrew Wiggins, who was enjoying in his second recreation again from an adductor pressure and subsequent harm, completed with 10 factors however did so on 5-of-16 taking pictures and lacked the aggression and rhythm he had earlier than his absence.
Klay Thompson began the night time scoring 14 of his 29 factors within the first quarter, however then cooled off.
In his first recreation coming off the bench since Dec. 3, Poole scored 27 factors.
Meanwhile, the Suns have been with out Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne. But they did not miss a beat, taking pictures 45 p.c from the ground and from 3. With each punch the Warriors tried to throw, the Suns responded.
This recreation closed out the Warriors’ eight-game homestand, during which they went 5-3. They now will head out on a five-game highway journey, the place they’re simply 3-16.
