The Golden State Warriors beat the Phoenix Suns 116-113 at home on Monday, Nov. 2, in the NBA. They overcame a poor opening quarter and took all three periods that followed to settle a tight Pacific Division meeting in the final frame.

The result also squared the season series. Phoenix had won the first meeting 131-122 on Oct. 24 in Arizona, the last time Golden State had lost.

Phoenix Strikes First, Golden State Answers

The Suns controlled the start. They outscored the Warriors 31-19 in the first quarter, the most lopsided period of the night and the only one Phoenix won.

Golden State began chipping away in the second quarter, taking it 32-26 to trim the margin before halftime. Phoenix still went to the locker room in front.

A 42-Point Third Quarter Levels the Game

The Warriors produced their best stretch after the break. Their 42-36 edge in the third quarter was the highest-scoring period for either side and wiped out what remained of the Suns’ early cushion. The teams entered the fourth dead level.

The closing quarter stayed close. Golden State held Phoenix to 20 points in the period and scored 23 of its own, enough to finish three points clear and protect its home floor.

Neither side found much separation after the opening 12 minutes. The Warriors won the final three quarters by modest margins rather than through one decisive burst, and their defense in the fourth helped them close out.

Warriors Keep Rolling, Suns Keep Searching

The win extends a strong run for Golden State, which had won four straight before this game: 124-112 over the Los Angeles Clippers, 112-95 over the Los Angeles Lakers, 119-114 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and 134-114 at the Denver Nuggets. The Warriors are second in the Pacific Division.

Phoenix’s slide continues. Before Monday, the Suns had lost 120-127 to the Denver Nuggets and 114-125 at the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their lone win this season was the October game against Golden State, which was preceded by an 83-124 defeat at the Portland Trail Blazers in the season opener. Phoenix is third in the Pacific Division.

The Suns are back in action first, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, Nov. 4, a chance to answer the heavy loss in Portland in October. The Warriors stay home to face the Miami Heat on Thursday, Nov. 5.