Warriors vs Suns: Can the Warriors Maintain Their Defensive Standards Against Some of the Best?

• This will be Golden State's first of six road games in their next seven matches.
• The Phoenix Suns are looking to build off of another win over a Western Conference rival!
• The Warriors and Suns split last year's season series, 2-2.

Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns Predictions and Picks

Both the Warriors and the Suns have gotten off to a solid start this season. Both sides have maintained their two-way standards, and the difference between them will be marginal. With their recent hot streak, expect Golden State's shooting to make the difference.

Pick:

Golden State Warriors def. Phoenix Suns

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Head-to-Head: Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns

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GSW: Can the Warriors Maintain Their Defensive Standards against Some of the Best?

The Golden State Warriors may be middle of the pack in terms of defensive rating, but their numbers when defending the three-point line has been fantastic.

Through three games, the Warriors are holding opponents to just 30.8% shooting from three and allowing just 12.0 three-pointers per game. With such small lineups, Golden State does a great job of rushing down shooters.

Their issue is that their aggressive closeouts usually create interior opportunities. Golden State allows their opponents to shoot 59.5% from two-point range, the worst in the NBA. If Golden State can close out in control, while also limiting Phoenix inside, victory is well within their grasp.

Warriors Key Player: (F) Andrew Wiggins

While the Golden State Warriors are undoubtedly Stephen Curry's team, Andrew Wiggins has stepped up and looked every bit a leader for his team. Not only has his usage increased, but his efficiency overall hasn't dipped significantly.

Through three games, Wiggins has averaged 22.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 52.0% shooting from the field. He's been excellent on the defensive end as well, contributing 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.

The Phoenix Suns are going to try and make a point against the Warriors and Wiggins will be the target of star man Devin Booker. If Wiggins can stand his ground and still contribute offensively, he can lead Golden State to victory.

PHO: Will the Suns Role Players Be Able to Step Up?

When you think of the Phoenix Suns you think pace, power, and finishing at the rim. However in the present, they're a team that seems to operate around the most efficient option. At the moment, it seems like Booker has enough support.

In the Suns' last game, a win over the LA Clippers, Booker scored 35 points on 13 of 21 shooting. On the other hand, the other four Suns starters combined for 38 points on 16 of 37 shooting from the field.

For such an amazing passing team, the Suns need to find a way to get other players involved in order to relieve the pressure on their stars. If Phoenix continues to play through Booker, he'll need to capitalize on his playmaking ability.

Suns Key Player: (G) Devin Booker

The Phoenix Suns are trying to make their way back to the top of the Western Conference and Devin Booker will be key to achieving that. He's been great through the opening of the season, playing in the Suns' starring role.

Through three games played, Booker has averaged 32.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 blocks in 39.7 minutes per game. Most notably he's shot a career-high 53.1% from the field despite the uptick in usage.

Booker needs to be aggressive from the jump for the Suns to beat the Raptors. If he can't overcome the Warriors defence, it'll be difficult for the Suns to back down.

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