PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns got the result they wanted in their home opener as they defeated the Golden State Warriors by a score of 131-122 on Saturday night, but how they got there should matter more. Phoenix eventually found another gear against Golden State, turning a sluggish first half into an encouraging second-half performance. But with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green unavailable for the Warriors, the Suns shouldn’t have needed that long to seize control. That is what makes this victory both encouraging and concerning.
Oct 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reaches for the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Phoenix looked disconnected early. Rookie Khaman Maluach struggled to impose himself defensively, Golden State attacked the paint, and the Suns’ offense repeatedly stalled. Phoenix was just 5-of-20 from beyond the arc late in the second quarter, making an undermanned opponent look far more comfortable than it should have. Then the energy changed.
Oct 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Luke Kennard (8) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Booker took command and shots finally began falling. By the fourth quarter, Phoenix was playing with pace and confidence. The offense started to flow rather than labor through possessions, and the Suns finally dictated the game instead of reacting to it. That version of Phoenix is why the win matters. The Suns proved they can flip momentum when things aren’t working, an important trait over an 82-game season. But consistently relying on second-half surges is not sustainable. Against a healthy contender, Phoenix may not get three quarters to figure things out.
Oct 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard (3) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The home opener offered a glimpse of the Suns’ potential, but also their biggest early challenge: turning flashes into consistency. Relying on other role players like Luke Kennard and Jordan Goodwin will be key for the Suns going forward as well. Winning was the first step, but learning to play with that second-half urgency for all four quarters is what will determine how much these Suns actually win.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
