Curry, Warriors beat Suns 116107 to regain top spot in NBA

HOENIX (AP) — The Golden State Warriors kept it close despite being short-handed, setting the stage for a player to take over down the stretch.

POne did — and it wasn’t Stephen Curry. Otto Porter Jr. took lategame honors.

Curry had 33 points, Porter scored seven of his 19 during a key late stretch and the Warriors regained to top spot in the NBA from Phoenix, beating the Suns 116107 on Saturday.

“I drew up every play, I completely organized every aspect of it,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said sarcastically. “Otto was great. He’s just added so much to our team with his shooting from that position and his rebounding and defense.”

Golden State arrived in the desert shorthanded, missing three of its top four scorers to health and safety protocols: Andrew Wiggins, Damion Lee and Jordan Pool e.

Curry carried most of the load, overcoming a mediocre shooting night to crack 20 points for the first time in nine Christmas games. He finished 10 for 27, including 5 for 16 from 3 to help the Warriors end Phoenix’s 15-game home winning streak.

Porter hit a step-back 3 and a pair of jumpers in a span of 1:02.

“Coach drew up a couple plays that freed me open,” Porter said. “Did a good job of finding me, was able to find a rhythm.”

The Suns had their chances, keeping it close until the closing minutes in a raucous home atmosphere. They couldn’t close it out, failing to score over the final 3:01 to lose for the third time in 28 games.

Chris Paul had 21 points and eight assists to take up some of the slack from leading scorer Devin Booker, who was held to 13 points on 5of-19 shooting.*