In a heart-stopping finish, the Phoenix Suns snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, edging out the Golden State Warriors 99-98 on a last-second free throw by Jordan Goodwin. The dramatic play unfolded on Friday, December 19, 2025 (Philippine Time), at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
A Buzzer-Beater Born from a Miss
The game's final sequence was chaotic. With seconds remaining and the Suns down by one, Dillon Brooks missed a potential game-winning three-pointer. In the scramble for the rebound, Jordan Goodwin was fouled with only 0.4 seconds left on the clock. The guard stepped to the line with the game in his hands, calmly sinking the second of his two attempts after missing the first to secure the win for Phoenix.
Key Performances and Standings Shift
The Suns' comeback was fueled by a massive second-half performance from Devin Booker, who scored 23 of his team-high 25 points after halftime. Dillon Brooks contributed 24 points, while Collin Gillespie added 16. Rookie Oso Ighodaro was a force on the boards, pulling down 13 rebounds. Goodwin, the hero of the night, finished with 9 points.
For the Warriors, Jimmy Butler led all scorers with a strong 31-point outing. Brandin Podziemski supported with 18 points, but Stephen Curry struggled, managing only 15 points on 3-of-13 shooting from the field.
This crucial victory snapped a two-game losing streak for the Suns and improved their record to 14 wins and 11 losses, moving them up to seventh place in the competitive Western Conference. The Warriors fell to an even 13-13, holding onto the eighth spot.
What This Win Means for Phoenix
This nail-biting win provides a significant morale boost for the Suns. Overcoming a tough opponent like Golden State in such dramatic fashion demonstrates resilience. The team showed it can close out tight games, a critical skill as they navigate the regular season and jockey for playoff positioning in the West.
