PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored 34 points, Deandre Ayton added 16 points and 14 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Golden State Warriors 134-105 on Tuesday night in a game that featured Klay Thompson‘s first career ejection and seven technical fouls.
Both teams lost their cool at various times during the third quarter, with all of the technical fouls called in less than six minutes. Thompson received two quick technicals and was ejected after having words with Booker, who also received a technical because of the exchange.
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Thompson finished with two points on 1-for-8 shooting, including 0 of 5 from 3-point range. It was the five-time All-Star’s first career ejection in 651 regular season games.
Golden State’s Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr, along with Phoenix players Chris Paul and Ayton also were whistled for technicals for various outbursts in the third, with most of that ire directed at the officials.
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While the techs were piling up, so was the Suns’ lead, which grew to 105-86 by the end of the third. Without Thompson, the defending NBA champs were never able to mount a rally and the Suns kept a comfortable lead for most of the fourth.
Booker shot 10 of 19 from the field and 11 of 14 on free throws. The two-time All-Star added seven assists.
Steph Curry led the Warriors with 21 points. Jordan Poole scored 17 off the bench. Green added 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Phoenix used a 13-0 run midway through the first to take a 37-29 lead by the end of the quarter. Paul made a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer to give the Suns a 72-66 lead at the break.
Booker scored 16 points in the first half while Ayton had 12 points and 11 rebounds. Poole led the Warriors with 14 first-half points.
REUNION TIME
Suns backup guard Damion Lee played the Warriors for the first time since he signed with Phoenix during the offseason.
Lee played the previous four seasons with the Warriors, helping them win the title last season. He’s already made a mark with his new team, sinking the game-winning jumper in the season opener against the Mavericks.
Lee finished with five points in 15 minutes on Tuesday.
TIP-INS
Warriors: G Donte DiVincenzo (left hamstring) was not available. He’s averaging five points per game.
Suns: Forwards Ish Wainright (low back pain) and Jae Crowder (not with team) weren’t available. … Shot 60% (9 of 15) from 3-point range during the first half.
UP NEXT
Warriors: Return home to host the Heat on Thursday.
Suns: Host the Pelicans on Friday.
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