Booker ejected! Curry scores only 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting, Warriors lose to Suns and miss playoffs.

On April 18, Beijing time, in the NBA play-in game, the Suns defeated the Warriors 111-96 at home. The Suns entered the playoffs as the 8th seed in the West and will face the Thunder in the first round, while the Warriors were eliminated and missed the playoffs.

In the first quarter, the Suns got into rhythm quickly, with Goodwin and Dillon firing from outside, Iguodaro delivering a dunk, and Jalen Green also hitting from beyond the arc, helping the Suns secure a dream start of 13-2. Porzingis scored from outside, while Podziemski and Curry continuously attacked, helping the Warriors narrow the gap to just 4 points. Dillon and Jalen Green both hit three-pointers, Booker displayed excellent individual skills scoring 5 consecutive points, and O'Neal's long-range shot also went in. The Suns relentlessly pressed on, ending the quarter with a 33-15 lead.

In the second quarter, Podziemski and Payton scored inside, Green made an uncontested layup, and Payton powered inside, helping the Warriors close to 27-35. Jalen Green and Goodwin combined to score, and the Suns again widened the gap to 14 points. Podziemski and Curry hit shots from outside, followed by Podziemski's effective inside play, helping the Warriors chase back. At halftime, the Suns led 50-45.

In the third quarter, Iguodaro and Goodwin scored inside, Dillon scored both inside and outside, and Jalen Green's three-pointer went in. The Suns played impressively, widening the lead to 69-53. Melton combined drives and shots sharply, Santos made a bank shot, still helping the Warriors fight back stubbornly. The quarter ended with the Suns leading 78-69.

In the fourth quarter, Jalen Green cut for a layup, Goodwin sank a three-pointer, and Jalen Green scored 7 crucial points, allowing the Suns to widen the gap again to 92-78. Booker hit a step-back jumper, Goodwin added another three-pointer, and the Suns expanded the lead to 15 points. In the final moments, after Green was ejected, he exchanged words with Booker, and both were ejected. Ultimately, the Suns maintained their advantage and secured the win.

Starting Lineups

Suns: Goodwin, Dillon, Iguodaro, Jalen Green, Booker

Warriors: Santos, Green, Porzingis, Podziemski, Curry