Dillon Brooks will face the Golden State Warriors in a crucial Play-In Tournament game for the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Warriors secured their spot by overcoming a 13-point deficit against the Clippers.
Key points
Dillon Brooks wanted to face the Warriors in the playoffs
Suns will play the Warriors for the eighth seed
Warriors came back from a 13-point deficit
Warriors defeated the Clippers 126-121
Game is set for April 17
Phoenix SunsGolden State WarriorsLos Angeles ClippersDillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks hoped Suns would face Curry, Warriors for playoff spot
The Warriors rallied from 13 points down in the fourth quarter to shock the Clippers, 126-121, to set up a win-or-go-home Play-In Tournament game versus the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Nice.
“I think it matters to some people like myself,” Brooks said after Thursday’s practice at the team’s practice facility. “I would like to see the Warriors.”
Why Golden State?
“Steph and Draymond.," Brooks said "And Steve Kerr.”
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott looks up from the sidelines as the team faces the Portland Trailblazers during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) yells out to the refeee after being called for a foul against the Portland Trailblazers during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
Q&A
What teams are competing for the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs?
The Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors are competing for the eighth seed.
How did the Warriors secure their playoff spot?
The Warriors secured their playoff spot by defeating the Clippers 126-121 after rallying from a 13-point deficit.
When is the Play-In Tournament game between the Suns and Warriors?
The Play-In Tournament game between the Suns and Warriors is scheduled for Friday, April 17.
What is at stake for the Suns and Warriors in the upcoming game?
The winner of the game will secure the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
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Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) celebrates his 3-point shot against the Portland Trailblazers during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after making a 3-point shot while being fouled against the Portland Trailblazersduring their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after making a 3-point shot while being fouled against the Portland Trailblazersduring their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) is introduced before playing the Portland Trailblazers during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots the ball over Portland Trailblazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives between Portland Trailblazers defenders Toumani Camara (33) and Deni Avdija (8) during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) lays the ball up while being fouled by Portland Trailblazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
1 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott looks up from the sidelines as the team faces the Portland Trailblazers during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
1 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott looks up from the sidelines as the team faces the Portland Trailblazers during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
2 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) yells out to the refeee after being called for a foul against the Portland Trailblazers during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
3 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) celebrates his 3-point shot against the Portland Trailblazers during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
4 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after making a 3-point shot while being fouled against the Portland Trailblazersduring their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
5 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after making a 3-point shot while being fouled against the Portland Trailblazersduring their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
6 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) is introduced before playing the Portland Trailblazers during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
7 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots the ball over Portland Trailblazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
8 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives between Portland Trailblazers defenders Toumani Camara (33) and Deni Avdija (8) during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
9 / 9
Phoenix Suns battle Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Tournament
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) lays the ball up while being fouled by Portland Trailblazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) during their play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April, 14, 2026.
That’s Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the Warriors head coach.
“One of the best players to ever do it,” Brooks said about Curry. “It’s who you want to go against in an elimination game. He’s proven it over the years. They’ve been battle-tested in every way possible. Good matchup for us.”
The Warriors-Suns winner will open the playoffs at the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on April 19 in the first round.
The loser? The season is over.
“The fans are going to be ready,” Brooks said. “They’ve been waiting a couple of years for games like this. I know we’re going to be ready to play.”
The Suns are facing the only team in the play-in with a losing record, but playing the Warriors feels like a tall order right now.
Credit Curry for that concern.
The Warriors superstar looked all the way back after missing 27 games with right knee issues in scoring 35 points to lead Golden State past the Clippers in his fifth game back.
“Looked like the same Steph Curry,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. “You guard him for however many minutes you think you’re guarding him and then all the sudden, the explosion happens. Everyone has tried the same game plan with him to try to take him off the 3-point line and he somehow does it night after night in the biggest moments.”
The Warriors shot 56.6% from the field against the Clippers, going 19-of-41 on 3s.
Curry hit seven of those deep ones on 12 attempts.
“We’ve got to slow them down,” Suns forward Royce O’Neale said. “We know their style of play. Try to make things tough for them. Not give up cuts, open 3s. Then on the offensive end, execute our game plan. Defensively, just take the challenge.”
The Warriors are coming off a huge win to stay alive for the postseason, but they’re fully aware of the challenges Phoenix presents.
"It's going to be runs back and forth.” Curry said after the game. “(Clippers) started out 12-2. Felt like we were down 10 multiple times throughout the game, but we kept answering. Phoenix is a high-powered offense. Dillon (Brooks) and Devin (Booker) have been playing great all year long.”
The Suns went 1-3 against the Warriors this regular season, but Jalen Green didn’t play in any of those games. He’s coming off a 35-point performance in Tuesday’s loss to the Blazers.
“They have guys that can create off the dribble,” Curry continued. “Watched the game against Portland. It's going to be a great atmosphere. We're excited about it. I didn't get to watch Orlando-Philly, but the play-in is delivering this year. It's been good basketball to watch so hopefully we can add to that and get another win.”
Kerr said the coaches have been preparing for the Blazers and Suns over the last week.
“Our game plan is all set,” he said after the win. “We just have to present it to the players (Thursday). Probably (Thursday) evening. We won’t have a practice, but we’ll go through the game plan. Then shootaround Friday to walk through some things. We’ll be ready. One game to get in and we’re excited about it. Phoenix has a hell of a team. They’ve had a great year. It’s going to be another great game.”
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin atdmrankin@gannett.comor contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at@DuaneRankin.
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