Metro East native Jordan Goodwin enjoyed one of the biggest nights of his NBA career in helping the Phoenix Suns advance to the upcoming playoffs.
The former Belleville Althoff and Saint Louis University star had 19 points, nine rebounds and a season-high six steals in the Suns’ 111-96 victory over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Play-In tournament on Friday night in Phoenix. The Suns advance to the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, where they will face the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder.
Goodwin also made four 3-pointers and secured four offensive rebounds. He set the tone early in the game with four steals in the fourth quarter. He also had a tremendous defensive game, helping limit Warriors star Stephen Curry to four-of-16 shooting from the field.
Goodwin became the first Suns guard since 2000 to finish the game with at least six steals and four offensive rebounds. Hall of Famer Jason Kidd was the last guard to accomplish the feat. Goodwin was also the first Suns player in 20 years to record at least 19 points, nine rebounds and six steals in an NBA game. Shawn Marion was the last Suns’ player to do that during the 2006 season.
The Suns and Oklahoma City will meet in Game 1 on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at Oklahoma City.