Curry’s big fourth quarter rallies Warriors past Suns
Fans celebrate a score by Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, March 12, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
OAKLAND, Calif. — Stephen Curry scored 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter and the Golden State Warriors rallied from a nine-point deficit over the final 12 minutes to beat the Phoenix Suns 123-116 on Saturday night.
Curry, who spent most of the third quarter on the bench in foul trouble, made three of his seven 3-pointers in the fourth, including two as part of a 18-8 run to close out the game.
The NBA’s reigning MVP capped his night with a behind-the-back pass to Shaun Livingston for a layup that helped extend the Warriors’ record home winning streak to 48 games.
Golden State (59-6) also stayed one game ahead of the pace of the 1995-96 Bulls, who set an NBA record with 72 wins.
Marreese Speights added 25 points and nine rebounds off the bench, Klay Thompson scored 20 points and Draymond Green had 19 points and six assists.
Phoenix (17-49) didn’t go quietly.
The Suns trailed 68-58 early in the second half but stormed back to take a 95-86 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Brandon Knight sparked Phoenix’s burst with five of his career high-tying seven 3s. Knight, in his second game back after missing almost two months with a groin injury, finished with 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
The Warriors opened the final quarter with a 16-3 run but still trailed 108-105 with 5:50 to go.
Curry made two 3s sandwiched around a pair of dunks by Speights. Harrison Barnes then added two free throws to put Golden State up 119-108.
Alex Len and Knight scored on consecutive trips down the floor before Curry’s jumper slammed the door on the Suns.
