The Phoenix Suns jumped out to a ridiculous start against the Golden State Warriors last night en route to a 104-92 win, banging out 33 points in the 1st quarter while holding the Warriors to 17.
It was a matchup between two of the worst defensive teams in basketball that lived up to its billing despite a promising start for the Suns.
The stellar defense demonstrated by Planet Orange early on disappeared after the 1st quarter, as the Suns dropped 29 while allowing 28 in the 2nd, gave up 30 while putting up 27 in the 3rd, and hit 15 to 17 in the 4th.
Golden State went on a 10-4 run midway through the 4th quarter that whittled down what was once a 23 point lead to 5. For a moment it seemed as if the Suns were about to blow another game in the 4th.
Fortunately for Phoenix, Channing Frye decided to go crazy with four minutes left, shooting two 3-pointers that effectively killed the crowd and the Warriors. His 3s were followed by one more from Steve Nash, creating more much-needed separation.
A referee review of Frye's first 3 determined that he had not been behind the line but not even that could save the Warriors, as Jared Dudley answered the referees' call by putting up a 3 of his own.
Steve Nash scored 2 points in the first half before scoring 12 in the second. He racked up 15 assists in the game, 7 in the first quarter.
Frye put up 19 while Grant Hill scored 18. Vince Carter contributed 10. Dudley and Mickael Pietrus each contributed 12 to the final score.
The Suns entered last night's contest averaging 122 points in their last eleven games versus the Warriors, who had lost their last three in a row against the Suns.
Golden State came into the game allowing 105.9 points allowed per game, an ugly average topped by the Suns, who are second-worst in the league at 106.4 points allowed per game.
Planet Orange pulled within a game of .500 with their win last night. On Thursday evening, they face the Warriors again at home. That game will air on FSAZ at 7. For more information, visit the Suns' website.
