The Phoenix Suns secured the final playoff spot in the Western Conference on Friday night, defeating the Golden State Warriors 111–96 in a winner-take-all play-in tournament finale. Led by a stellar performance from Jalen Green, who exploded for 36 points and eight three-pointers, the Suns clinched the No. 8 seed and a first-round date with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jalen Green offensive MASTERCLASS 👏
36 PTS
14/20 FG
8 3PM
PHX WHe joins Stephen Curry as the only player in @SoFi Play-In history to total back-to-back 35+ point games!
🍿 Suns will face the Thunder in Round 1, Sunday at 3:30pm/et on ABC! pic.twitter.com/Jo0QD1QMCt
— NBA (@NBA) April 18, 2026
Phoenix dominated early, jumping to an 18-point lead in the first quarter. While the Warriors clawed back to within five points by halftime, the Suns’ defense proved too much. Stephen Curry was held to just 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting as the Suns’ backcourt harassed him all night. Devin Booker contributed 20 points before being ejected late in the fourth quarter following a heated exchange with Draymond Green.
Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr share a moment after their 14th season together ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ivu63E5VL2
— NBA (@NBA) April 18, 2026
The loss ends Warriors’ season, while the Suns head into the postseason and will face the OKC Thunder in the 1st round of the Playoffs.