The Phoenix Suns’ 1-3 start of the 2021-22 NBA season now seems like a distant past. After beating the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, the Suns have extended their winning streak to 17 games and sit atop the Western Conference.
The Suns managed to get the 104-96 win primarily thanks to a great defensive effort that slowed down Golden State’s superstar Stephen Curry. Entering the game, Curry, considered the favorite for this season’s MVP award, averaged 28.6 points per game. But Phoenix limited him to just a 12-point performance that included 4-21 shooting from the floor.
The win is even more impressive when you consider that the Suns saw their All-Star guard Devin Booker leave the game in the second quarter due to a hamstring injury. Center Deandre Ayton picked up the slack with 24 points and 11 rebounds while Chris Paul added 15 points, six boards, 11 assists, and five steals.
With Curry having an off-game, the Warriors saw Jordan Poole step up and deliver a 28-point performance. Otto Porter had 16 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Andrew Wiggins also contributed with 10 points.
The Suns have now tied their longest winning streak in franchise history and have the most consecutive wins in the NBA this season. It is also the league’s longest winning streak since the Milwaukee Bucks won 18 straight in late 2019.
“You sort of forget about [the streak], because we’re just hooping,” Chris Paul said after the game. “We prepare for every game the same way. When you do that, it’s about building habits. Three teams I’ve been on have won 17 in a row. It’s a really good feeling.”
