National Basketball Association

Warriors defeat Suns: Three takeaways

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrate after a made basket during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 133-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Here are some thoughts after the Golden State Warriors came back to defeat the Phoenix Suns at home on Sunday night.

The Phoenix Suns have given the Golden State Warriors all they can handle in two meetings this season. The Warriors have come out on top in both games, but they have had to work for their wins. Nonetheless, a win is a win and the win streak continues for the Warriors, after a 133-120 victory on Sunday night to game.

Although they had to work hard against a young team for their win, there was a lot to like about the game on Sunday night. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 89 points. Draymond Green turned in a good night defensively. Here are three takeaways from the win over Phoenix.

3. The Warriors’ energy-saving strategy is working

Whether it comes across as concerning or not, the Warriors waiting to turn it on late is not a bad option. It’s not too much unlike what the Miami Heat did at time when they had their core group led by LeBron James.

When it came time for the superstars to put away this game for the Warriors, they did. There’s nothing wrong with the energy-saving technique of turning it on late against a young team. It forced the Suns out of their comfort zone and it allowed the Warriors to cap off a memorable night.

Nov 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Patrick McCaw (0) controls the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks 116-95. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

2. Patrick McCaw is cementing his role in the rotation

Patrick McCaw continues to earn his spot in Golden State’s rotation. He was a positive when he was on the floor in the +/- category at +4 and he added six points. Steve Kerr has shown no hesitation to give the rookie serious minutes and he’s earning every single one of them.

With Golden State having plenty of young players they’re trying to turn into full-time rotation members, minutes can get scarce at times. That’s why it’s essentially a competition among the younger players to earn their role in the lineup.

With impressive showings like that of Sunday night, McCaw is going to continue to get more and more opportunities to succeed. We all saw what he could do in the preseason and the more experience he gets is only going to make him better.

This is a team filled with veterans, but it’s also a team with plenty of young talent. The young talent being able to come in and supplant those veterans is an absolute must for this team. McCaw is one of those young guys defining his role.

November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley (3) and guard Brandon Knight (11) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

1. Stephen Curry is the ignition on offense

Despite having four superstars and three prolific scorers, their is one man that makes the Warriors go. On Sunday night, it was Stephen Curry that once again led the way for the team. It took yet another ridiculous three from deep to get the team going but it worked to perfection.

He didn’t necessarily get all the calls that he was looking for, but he didn’t let it bother him. He made the big shots when his team needed him and he propelled the team to a win at home over the Suns.

He is the ignition for the offense and when he goes on a scoring barrage, everyone else falls in line. That’s what happened, as Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson also had huge nights for the team and combined for 89 points.

Scoring is contagious and everyone wants to get in on the action. If Curry struggles, so will the Warriors. If he’s rolling, then the team is likely as well. He’s the ignition switch and nothing is going to change that.