The Golden State Warriors have a lot to prove, after losing the 2019 NBA Finals, and struggling the years since then. A retooled roster and a healthy Stephen Curry have driven them to the NBA’s best record. In the Warriors’ absence, the Phoenix Suns have risen as a powerhouse. During the 2020 “bubble,” the Suns became competitive for the first time since 2014. Last season, they made the playoffs for the first time in eleven years. Adding Chris Paul to a roster already including Devin Booker did what Steve Nash couldn’t do in six years, with two MVP awards. After a 2-0 start, to the NBA Finals, the Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. This season, the Suns got off to a slow start, but then won 15 straight games. Tonight, they faced the Golden State Warriors, who still maintained a better record. That changed, as the Suns handled the Warriors, in a close game, tonight.
