By Tom Ziller

– NBA Editor

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Jan 3, 2012 – The Phoenix Suns, known primarily for their offense since Steve Nash arrived in 2004, had struggled on that end this season. But all the Suns needed was a matinee against the Golden State Warriors, which is just what they got on Monday. The Suns beat the Warriors 102-91 as Nash roared with 21 points on 9-13 shooting, nine assists and two turnovers.

The Suns’ 102 points came in 91 possessions for an offensive rating of 112. The Warriors had appeared to be improving on defense under rookie head coach Mark Jackson, but that progress took a fall on Monday. Suns rookie Markieff Morris racked up 16 points and nine rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench.

Monta Ellis led the Warriors with 16 points on 6-16 shooting with 11 assists, five rebounds and three turnovers. Stephen Curry scored 10 points, but played just 23 minutes due to foul trouble. David Lee was inactive, forcing Jackson to start Dominic McGuire at foward with Dorell Wright.

The Suns and Warriors are now each 2-3.

For more on the Suns, visit Bright Side Of The Sun. For more on the Warriors, visit Golden State Of Mind.

Read More: Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns, Jan 2, 2012 3:30 PM EST

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Stephen Curry wasn’t playing. The New York Knicks – that famous franchise featuring a starting line-up of Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler – was in town. Oh, and did I mention Stephen Curry wasn’t playing? How were my hometown Golden State Warriors going to win this one?

Apparently, they were going to do it with defense.

That’s right, for the second time in three days, the Golden State Warriors won a game because of tight, solid D, this one against the Knicks by a score of 92-78. I know. I’m in shock about it too.

When Mark Jackson was appointed coach not too long ago, the point guard legend – who wasn’t a particularly strong defender mind you – stressed that we were going to be seeing a different style of Warriors basketball than we were used to. Gone would be the days of the run-and-gun offense and 140-139 score-lines. It was time to slow the ball down, run a half-court set, and, much to everyone’s surprise, players would actually be required to get back and show some defensive intensity. Goodbye Phoenix Suns, hello San Antonio Spurs.

Look, I realize the season is only three games old, and there’s no guarantee that the W’s will keep this up, but Warriors fans are excited about what they’ve seen the last few days, and they should be.

I was at the Oracle Arena last night, and while it’s always a fantastic place to watch a game (a “great time out” as the old ads used to say), there was a different kind of energy in the building. It was sort of like the fans were realizing that the Warriors were going to grind out a win against a team with two elite scorers, and that it wasn’t because they scored a zillion points while luckily giving up one less. The W’s deserved this win, and it was a win to be proud of.

A few quick observations from last night’s contest:

• Brandon Rush, (and also Dominic McGuire, but more so Rush), is the perfect fit for this team. The Warriors got this guy for Lou Amundson? Really? The former Kansas star scored big buckets and played tight D, and he really looks like he’s going to make a home for himself in Golden State.

• Monta Ellis shook off a terrible first half and really shined in the second, even without Curry in the back-court. He facilitated beautifully down the stretch, and hit some big 3′s when it mattered. That’s what a team leader is supposed to do.

• Some people behind me were chanting “MVP” for Monta while he was at the free throw line late in the game. A little premature for that I think. Let’s try and get the guy on an All-Star team first.

• A great ovation for former W’s point guard Jeremy Lin when he subbed in right before the end of the game. The Bay Area native certainly remains a fan favorite.

Next, the Warriors take on the Philadelphia 76ers at home on New Year’s Eve. Can they make it three in a row?

REFERENCES:

“Ellis rallies Warriors Past Knicks, 92-78,” Associated Press

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Read More: Carmelo Anthony (F – NYK), Monta Ellis (G – GSW), David Lee (F – GSW), Amare Stoudemire (F – NYK), Brandon Rush (G – GSW), Stephen Curry (G – GSW), Ish Smith (G – GSW), New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks at Golden State Warriors, Dec 28, 2011 7:30 PM PST

The Golden State Warriors had to make do without a point guard, as Stephen Curry continues to struggle with ankle issues. So why not use Monta Ellis and let him handle the ball a bit.

Ellis was four of 15 from the field in the first half, but then scored eight crucial points to break open a fairly tight contest between the Warriors and the New York Knicks. Golden State outscored New York 28-14 in the fourth quarter to break a 64-64 tie after three quarter and move onto victory. Brandon Rush had 19 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks, Ish Smith put in 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, and David Lee had 13 points and five boards.

What was probably most impressive for the Warriors was how good Golden State looked on defense. The Warriors decisively won the rebounding battle over New York 47-31. Golden State held Carmelo Anthony to 13 points on three of 13 shooting and Amare Stoudemire to 16 points on five of 14 shooting. It was a great all-around effort by the Warriors, who can cap off a solid week by beating the Philadelphia Sixers on New Year’s Eve.

To discuss the Warriors, head on over to Golden State of Mind. To discuss the Knicks, check out Posting and Toasting.