Warriors rally late to beat Suns 101–97 after 14-point fourth-quarter deficit

PHOENIX (JN) – A late surge from a depleted Golden State Warriors lineup overturned a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit and stunned the Phoenix Suns 101–97 on Thursday night. Guard Pat Spencer delivered a career-high scoring performance, while Gui Santos and De’Anthony Melton supplied key baskets in the closing minute as the Warriors finished with a decisive run.

The game swung sharply after Phoenix built a 14-point cushion early in the fourth quarter. From there, the Suns’ offense stalled, and Golden State steadily chipped away before seizing control in the final seconds. The comeback unfolded with both teams missing several regular starters, adding an unexpected cast to the decisive moments.

The result underscored how quickly momentum can shift late in NBA games, particularly when depth players are asked to carry larger roles amid injuries and roster changes.

Golden State’s late push turns the game

Phoenix entered the fourth quarter ahead 82–76 after limiting Golden State to 17 points in the third. The Suns extended the margin to 90–76 less than two minutes into the final period when Collin Gillespie hit 3-pointers on consecutive possessions, appearing to put the game firmly in hand.

Golden State responded patiently rather than frantically. Possession by possession, the Warriors trimmed the deficit as Phoenix’s shooting cooled. Melton tied the game at 97–97 with a driving layup with 55.8 seconds remaining, capping a steady rally rather than a sudden burst.

Moments later, Santos finished a fast-break layup with 28.7 seconds left to give the Warriors their first lead since the third quarter at 99–97.

Final sequence seals the win

Phoenix had one last chance to respond. Dillon Brooks attempted a 3-pointer in the closing seconds that would have put the Suns back in front, but the shot missed. Gary Payton II secured the rebound for Golden State, and Moses Moody quickly advanced the ball to Melton, who converted a layup as time expired to seal the 101–97 result.

The Suns, who had controlled much of the second half, were held to just six field goals and 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Spencer and Santos step forward

Spencer led the Warriors with a career-high 20 points, including five 3-pointers, and scored 15 of those before halftime. Santos added 18 points and played a central role in the closing stretch, finishing in transition for the go-ahead basket.

Golden State’s first half offense leaned heavily on perimeter shooting. The Warriors attempted 37 3-pointers before halftime and made 15, taking a 59–55 lead into the break despite Phoenix’s physical interior play.

The performance reflected how reserve players were asked to shoulder scoring responsibility with several regular contributors unavailable.

Suns falter after strong start to fourth

Brooks paced Phoenix with 24 points, while Grayson Allen added 21. Allen assisted on a dunk by Oso Ighodaro that put the Suns ahead 97–91 with 3:55 remaining, but Phoenix did not score again for the rest of the game.

Allen left the game shortly afterward after landing awkwardly and did not return. The Suns later described the issue as a right knee injury.

The offensive drought in the final minutes proved decisive after Phoenix had controlled tempo for much of the second half.

Injury absences shape the matchup

Both teams were significantly shorthanded. The Suns played without Devin Booker due to an ankle injury and Jalen Green with a hamstring and hip issue. Golden State was without Stephen Curry because of a knee injury.

Newly acquired forward Kristaps Porzingis, obtained from the Atlanta Hawks in a recent trade, had not yet joined the Warriors. Coach Steve Kerr said Porzingis was expected to meet the team in Los Angeles on Friday but expressed doubt he would be ready to play against the Lakers.

Earlier Thursday, the Warriors also announced they had traded reserve big man Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a second-round draft pick.

A game defined by depth and timing

The contest ultimately hinged on which team could maintain composure when primary scoring options were unavailable. Golden State’s bench players managed the closing stretch with efficiency and control, while Phoenix’s offense stalled at a critical moment.

For the Warriors, the comeback provided a lift during a stretch marked by injuries and roster adjustments. For the Suns, it was a reminder of how quickly a comfortable lead can dissolve when execution falters late.