OAKLAND, Calif. _ Even if the Golden State Warriors have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant, their identity does not hinge on 3-point shooting. Their stretch traces back how they blend star power and teamwork.
Therefore, the Warriors still cemented a 123-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday at Oracle Arena despite showing modest progress with their outside shot.
They were 14 of 37 (37.8 percent) from beyond the arc, while Thompson went 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. Still, the Warriors featured plenty of scoring balance with six players finishing in double figures: Curry (29 points), Durant (22), Thompson (16), Damian Jones (13), Jonas Jerebko (13) and Alfonzo McKinnie (10).
Curry (6-of-13) also played a large part in improving the team's outside shooting numbers.
The only element of drama: The Warriors said Thompson had a mildly sprained left ankle and sat the entire fourth quarter for precautionary reasons.
Otherwise, the Warriors produced that offense after mastering three areas as they bounced back from Sunday's loss at Denver.
They moved the ball en route to 35 assists.
They hustled on defense, and entered the fourth quarter forcing 24 turnovers that led to 34 fast-break points.
They also became more deliberative with their shot selection after spending their first three games struggling in that area.
"We have to work for better shots," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said beforehand. "Early in the season, we're rushing shots. We're shooting quickly, which I don't mind. But I'd like to get great shots instead of decent ones."
The Warriors (3-1) made that first step by logging their 16th consecutive win over the Suns (1-2), marking Golden State's longest winning streak against a single team in franchise history.
The Warriors have also won 14 consecutive games over Phoenix at home.
