Suns at Warriors
THE STORY: The Phoenix Suns will try to continue their dominance of
the Warriors when they visit Golden State on Monday. The Suns have won
seven straight, including three in Oakland, and 11 of the last 12
overall. Both teams are outside playoff position, but the Suns have won
four of their last five and are starting to resemble a team capable of
reaching the postseason. The Warriors began a three-game homestand with a
106-97 victory over Houston on Sunday.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Arizona (Suns), CS Bay Area (Warriors)
ABOUT THE SUNS (12-15):
Steve Nash was struck in the face by the Kings’ Isiah Thomas late in
the first quarter of Saturday’s 98-94 victory at Sacramento. Nash
returned after receiving four stitches in his bottom lip and finished
with 15 assists in 29 minutes. The Suns’ bench, led by rookie Markieff
Morris’ 18 points, scored 35 on Saturday, 12 in the second quarter
without Nash. Phoenix’s rise has a lot to do with its defense, never
usually its strong suit. The Suns allowed only 92.8 points per game in
their last five and are yielding 96.0 this season, far below the 105.9
they gave up in 2010-11.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (10-14):
Golden State has missed the playoffs in 17 of the past 18 seasons, but
has won two straight and plays its next two at home against teams
directly in front of it in the standings. Knicks fan Spike Lee texted
Warriors coach Mark Jackson to thank him for releasing Jeremy Lin during
training camp. Lin has become an overnight sensation since being
inserted into the starting lineup and leading New York to five straight
victories. The Warriors are solid at guard, though, with Monta Ellis (33
points Sunday) and Stephen Curry, plus emerging rookie Klay Thompson.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Suns have won the last three meetings – all in Phoenix – by an average of 15.3 points.
2. The Warriors lead the NBA with 5.5 more fouls per game than their opponents.