Suns Edge Warriors in Nail-Biting Finish
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Phoenix Suns 99, Golden State Warriors 98, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns?
Phoenix Suns beat Golden State Warriors 99-98 at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 18, 2025.
Who was favored in Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns?
Golden State Warriors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the Phoenix Suns narrowly defeated the Golden State Warriors with a final score of 99-98. This matchup was particularly significant as it marked the third meeting of the season between these two teams, with the series now tied at 1-1 after the Warriors won the previous game on November 5, 2025, 118-107. The Suns, currently holding a home record of 15-12, have struggled recently, entering this game on a two-game losing streak and with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games. Their average points scored during this stretch was 108.0, while they allowed an average of 115.3 points per game. Conversely, the Warriors, with a record of 13-15, have also faced challenges, losing their last two games and posting a similar record of 4-6 over their last ten. They averaged 114.4 points scored and 111.5 points allowed during this period.
The game unfolded in a highly competitive atmosphere, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Key performances came from Devin Booker, who made crucial shots in the fourth quarter, including an 18-foot pullup jump shot that put the Suns ahead late in the game. The Warriors' Stephen Curry also made significant contributions, including a pair of free throws that tied the game at 98-98 before the Suns clinched the win with a free throw from Jordan Goodwin.
In terms of home and away performance, the Suns have struggled at home recently, with a 1-3 record in their last four home games, while the Warriors have had a mixed bag on the road, holding a 2-2 record in their last four away games. The Suns' recent form has been concerning, especially given their scoring averages, which have dipped to 106.8 points in their last five games, while allowing 116.8 points per game.
Injury concerns also played a role in the game. The Suns were without CJ Huntley and Mark Williams, both listed as day-to-day with hamstring and foot issues, respectively. The Warriors faced a more significant challenge with Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody both ruled out due to knee injuries, impacting their depth and overall performance.
As for the betting market, DraftKings set the odds with the Warriors favored by 1.5 points, reflecting the close nature of the matchup. The total for the game was set at 229.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring affair. The odds for the Suns to win straight up were listed at +110.0, while the Warriors were at -130.0.
Conditions for the game were typical for a mid-December evening, with both teams needing to adapt to the indoor arena setting. Fans were treated to a showcase of talent, particularly from the star players, and the close scoreline kept the excitement high until the final buzzer. Viewers were encouraged to watch for the tactical adjustments made by both coaches as the game progressed, particularly in the fourth quarter, where every possession counted.
Overall, this matchup will be remembered for its intensity and the razor-thin margin that separated the two teams. The Suns will look to build on this victory as they aim to improve their standing in the league, while the Warriors will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they head into their next game.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GS -1.5 | 229.5 o -108 / u -112 | Golden State Warriors -130 · Phoenix Suns +110 |
Injury report
- CJ HuntleyDay-To-DayHamstringPhoenix Suns
- Mark WilliamsDay-To-DayFootPhoenix Suns
- Jimmy Butler IIIOutKneeGolden State Warriors
- Moses MoodyOutKneeGolden State Warriors
Leaders
- PointsDevin Booker25Phoenix Suns
- AssistsCollin Gillespie5Phoenix Suns
- ReboundsOso Ighodaro13Phoenix Suns
- PointsJimmy Butler III31Golden State Warriors
- AssistsStephen Curry7Golden State Warriors
- ReboundsQuinten Post11Golden State Warriors
Recent form
Phoenix Suns
Last 10: 4-6Streak L2108 scored · 115.3 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L114-116vs Los Angeles LakersDec 15
- L89-138at Oklahoma City ThunderDec 11
- W108-105at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 9
- L98-117at Houston RocketsDec 6
- W125-108at Los Angeles LakersDec 2
- L112-130vs Denver NuggetsNov 30
- L119-123at Oklahoma City ThunderNov 29
- W112-100at Sacramento KingsNov 27
- L92-114vs Houston RocketsNov 25
- W111-102vs San Antonio SpursNov 24
Golden State Warriors
Last 10: 4-6Streak L2114.4 scored · 111.5 allowed per game2-2 away
- L131-136at Portland Trail BlazersDec 15
- L120-127vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 13
- W123-91at Chicago BullsDec 8
- W99-94at Cleveland CavaliersDec 7
- L98-99at Philadelphia 76ersDec 5
- L112-124vs Oklahoma City ThunderDec 3
- W104-96vs New Orleans PelicansNov 30
- L100-104vs Houston RocketsNov 27
- W134-117vs Utah JazzNov 25
- L123-127vs Portland Trail BlazersNov 22
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Golden State Warriors | Phoenix Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-89 | 36-88 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 12-42 | 10-35 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 29 |
| Free throws | 16-18 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 89 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 54 | 49 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 39 | 37 |
| Assists | 27 | 19 |
| Steals | 9 | 16 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 30 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 22 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 42 |
| Fouls | 20 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 62 | 31 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter66-62Devin Booker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter66-63Devin Booker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter66-66Devin Booker makes 26-foot running pullup jump shot (Jordan Goodwin assists)
- 3rd Quarter68-66Brandin Podziemski makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Trayce Jackson-Davis assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-66Stephen Curry makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trayce Jackson-Davis assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-68Ryan Dunn makes reverse layup (Jordan Goodwin assists)
- 3rd Quarter71-69Jordan Goodwin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-70Devin Booker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter71-72Collin Gillespie makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter71-74Collin Gillespie makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter71-75Collin Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter73-75Brandin Podziemski makes running layup (Stephen Curry assists)
- 4th Quarter76-75Brandin Podziemski makes 26-foot three point jumper (Gui Santos assists)
- 4th Quarter76-77Jamaree Bouyea makes 18-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter76-80Jordan Goodwin makes 26-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter76-82Ryan Dunn makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter76-84Collin Gillespie makes driving layup (Ryan Dunn assists)
- 4th Quarter78-84Brandin Podziemski makes 14-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter80-84Moses Moody makes 1-foot dunk (Jimmy Butler III assists)
- 4th Quarter82-84Jimmy Butler III makes running layup (Brandin Podziemski assists)
- 4th Quarter82-86Devin Booker makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter84-86Brandin Podziemski makes 10-foot fade away jump shot (Moses Moody assists)
- 4th Quarter87-86Brandin Podziemski makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jimmy Butler III assists)
- 4th Quarter87-87Collin Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-88Collin Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-90Devin Booker makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter87-91Devin Booker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-92Devin Booker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-94Dillon Brooks makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter88-94Jimmy Butler III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-94Jimmy Butler III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-94Jimmy Butler III makes 1-foot running dunk (Stephen Curry assists)
- 4th Quarter91-96Devin Booker makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-96Stephen Curry makes free throw flagrant 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-96Stephen Curry makes free throw flagrant 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-96Jimmy Butler III makes 27-foot three point jumper (Moses Moody assists)
- 4th Quarter96-98Devin Booker makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Jordan Goodwin assists)
- 4th Quarter97-98Stephen Curry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-98Stephen Curry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-99Jordan Goodwin makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Suns, below favours Golden State Warriors.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance17071
- OfficialsEric Dalen, Curtis Blair, Leon Wood
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