Fans kept the faith, Phoenix Suns rewarded it with win over Golden State Warriors
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) celebrates a three point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns played with purpose Friday night, delivering one of their most complete efforts of the season against the Golden State Warriors to punch their ticket to this year’s playoffs.
It didn’t just extend their season, but also reinforced belief among their fans. Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J.
Rebilas-Imagn Images From the opening tip, the Suns looked locked in. They pushed the pace early, attacked the paint and found rhythm from beyond the arc. That momentum carried them through the first half, where Phoenix held a clear edge fueled by Jalen Green’s hot shooting and defensive intensity.
In a turnaround from Tuesday, the Suns avoided the late-game struggles that had plagued them down the stretch of the season. They stayed composed, executed their sets and maintained tough defense against the Warriors, forcing Golden State to work for every shot. Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The performance reflected a team that took Tuesday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers personally, but more than that, it reinforced a foundation that some fans believe will carry into next year. One fan who spoke to Burn City Sports before tipoff was asked whether this season would be a failure if the Suns lost to Golden State.