PHOENIX — Despite first-half struggles, the Phoenix Suns’ team effort in the second half helped lead them past the Golden State Warriors, 99-98.
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Dec 18, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Warriors picked up where they left off in the first half, going on a 7-0 run to start the second. Down 14, the Suns came back within two midway through the third quarter with Devin Booker’s second 3-point shot tying the game, 66-66. Booker was scoreless from beyond the arc at halftime.
Dillon Brooks, who was the team’s leading scorer in the first half, had reinforcements as Booker hit double digits in the third after only scoring four before the break. This eased the load on Brooks and Phoenix was able to keep Golden State to 18 points in the quarter.
The Suns continued to trail 71-70 after three.
Dec 18, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Collin Gillespie’s driving layup at the start of the final quarter helped the Suns go on a 5-0 run and take their first lead of the last half. Gillespie would then be helped back to the locker room after suffering an apparent leg injury before returning to play.
Phoenix and Golden State continued to battle for the lead and the Suns looked like a different team compared to the first half. With Brooks out for a good part of the final frame, Phoenix needed to pick up the pace and did just that.
However, the Warriors didn’t stay silent for long.
Dec 18, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Fighting back from an eight-point deficit, the Warriors came back to make it a tight game once again. Phoenix, as if on cue, went on another 8-0 run to put some room between itself and Golden State.
A flagrant foul on Brooks to Golden State’s Steph Curry led to two free throws and a 3-point shot from Jimmy Butler III to tie the game 96-96 with 35.5 seconds left.
With 0.4 seconds left in the game, Jordan Goodwin sealed the game with one free throw.
Phoenix earned its 15th win of the season and first against the Warriors.
Book doing Book things 📚
Vote Suns for All-Star: https://t.co/95ae3qCtq9 pic.twitter.com/xzsNsX1cJB
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 19, 2025
The Suns will now look to carry Thursday’s momentum as they take on the Warriors once more this week at the Bay on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Dillon Brooks starts hot but isn’t enough as Suns trail Warriors at halftime
