NBA: Golden State Warriors, Without Porzingis, Lose to Phoenix for a Third Straight Defeat

In the NBA, the North American professional basketball league, the Golden State Warriors lost 131-122 away to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday (quarters: 25-22, 35-29, 45-38, 29-30 in the Suns' favor from the second quarter on). It is the California side's third consecutive defeat at the start of the new regular season, leaving the team at 0-3. Latvian basketball player Kristaps Porzingis cannot help the team at present because of health problems.

Stephen Curry also missed the game for the Warriors. Jaxson Hayes was not involved; the top scorer for the visitors was Jaksel Landeborg, who had 26 points and nine rebounds. De'Anthony Melton added 25 points, and Brandin Podziemski finished with 20.

Phoenix's win was driven largely by Devin Booker, who tallied 43 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Mikal Bridges and Dillon Brooks scored 16 and 15 points respectively for the Suns. Phoenix's record this season is one win and one loss.

Uncertainty around Porzingis

Porzingis did not take part in the team's training camp in Hawaii or in any preseason game, and he will not be available at the start of the season. Last week the Latvian arrived at the club's training facility and met with team management, but no further details about his health were released.

On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Shams Charania, citing unnamed sources, reported that if there is no significant breakthrough in his recovery, Porzingis may not continue his professional career. Charania also said the club is considering trading the Latvian. The Warriors later stated that they would not comment on media reports about examining trade deals.

Previous season

Last season the Warriors finished with a 37-45 record, tenth in the NBA's Western Conference, and reached the play-in tournament. In the deciding game for a playoff spot, the team lost to the same Phoenix Suns.