Jalen Green led the way for the Phoenix Suns with 36 points as they triumphed over the Golden State Warriors 111-96. Devin Booker contributed 20 points, and the Suns’ win secured them the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They’ll face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first game on Sunday, while the Warriors’ season has come to an end.
Green had an impressive night, hitting 14 of 20 shots and nailing 8 of 14 from beyond the arc. Jordan Goodwin also made an impact, scoring 19 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and racking up six steals.
The game became tense in the fourth quarter when both Booker and Draymond Green received technical fouls for arguing, leading to their ejections. Stephen Curry struggled, finishing with just 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting, while Brandin Podziemski was the leading scorer for the Warriors with 23 points.
Phoenix took a solid lead into halftime, ahead by five, and extended it to 69-53 in the third quarter. The pace of their game was notable, with key fast-break plays sealing their victory.
In another matchup, the Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets 121-90. Paolo Banchero shined with 25 points, helping Orlando secure a 35-point lead in the first half. LaMelo Ball scored most of his 23 points in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough to boost the Hornets.
The Magic secured the No. 8 seed and will face the Detroit Pistons next. Notably, they haven’t won a playoff series since 2010, while the Hornets last appeared in the playoffs back in 2016.
This year’s play-in tournament highlighted the evolving dynamics within the NBA. Teams like the Suns and Magic have shown they are not to be underestimated as they move into the playoffs with renewed determination. With a mix of seasoned players and emerging stars, fans can expect thrilling matchups ahead. You can check out the latest NBA playoff predictions in this detailed 2026 report.
