SAN JOSE -- The Golden State Warriors moved a step closer to punching a ticket to the 2013 NBA playoffs Friday night when they scored a 111-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.
A win over the visiting Utah Jazz (40-37) Sunday night at the Oracle Arena will ensure the 44-32 Warriors of at least the No.8 seed in the Western Conference. It will be the first time since 2007 and only the second time in 20 years that the Warriors will be in the playoffs, which begins across the NBA on April 21.
"This is not a surprise," head coach Mark Jackson told NBA.com as Golden State sits on the verge of a post season entry. "They worked their tails off. they deserve all the credit."
All-Star David Lee served up another double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds while Klay Thompson topscored for 25. Stephen Curry made only six of 15 field goals for 18 but the Warriors nailed nine of 16 three and 14 of 16 free throws.
Already out of the playoffs race at 23-53, the Phoenix Suns still played their hearts out and came out smoking in the opening quarter with a 37-23 lead. But they couldn't sustain their offense, scoring just 14 and giving the Warriors the momentum.
Goran Dragic paced the Suns with 32 points and Michael Beasley had 25. Veteran Jermaine O'Neal chipped in 15 and nine rebounds. (JSM)
Photo: David Lee tries to wrestle the ball away from Suns forward Michael Beasley.
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