Warriors erase 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Suns 101-97

The shorthanded Golden State Warriors staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Phoenix Suns 101-97 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Thursday night, overcoming a double-digit deficit to secure a morale-boosting preseason victory. Led by reserve guards Pat Spencer and Gui Santos, the Warriors successfully mounted a 14-point rally in the final frame after trailing for most of the contest, capitalizing on a late offensive surge while the Suns' starters watched from the sidelines. Pat Spencer emerged as the unexpected hero of the evening, delivering a career-high 20 points on efficient shooting to lead the Golden State rotation. Complementing his performance, Gui Santos contributed 18 points, providing the necessary scoring punch for a Warriors squad that was missing several key veteran players. The duo took command of the game's closing minutes, outperforming the Suns' bench unit and turning what appeared to be a comfortable Phoenix victory into a gritty road win for the visitors. The Phoenix Suns had dominated the earlier portions of the game, building a lead that stretched to 14 points by the start of the fourth quarter. However, the momentum shifted violently as the Warriors’ depth players executed a high-pressure defensive scheme and found their rhythm from beyond the arc. The loss highlights ongoing concerns for Phoenix regarding their bench consistency, while the Golden State coaching staff received a promising look at the developmental progress of their younger roster members who managed to maintain composure under pressure.