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Warriors-Suns Preview

Feb 10, 2016 - 7:44 AM Every victory brings the Golden State Warriors closer to the 20-year-old record for most in a season, and talk of their pursuit only will heat up coming out of the All-Star break.

The Phoenix Suns already have experienced a couple blowouts at the hands of the Warriors, but interim coach Earl Watson believes they're showing some signs of improvement.

Golden State can extend its winning streak to 11 by winning a sixth consecutive meeting Wednesday night in Phoenix.

The Warriors (47-4) secured the best 51-game start in NBA history with Tuesday's 123-110 win over Houston, one game ahead of the pace of the record-setting 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who finished 72-10.

Stephen Curry had his 23rd performance of at least 30 points with 35 while adding nine assists, and Andrew Bogut had one of his best games with 13 points, 11 boards and a season-high six blocks.

The defending NBA champions have won eight times by double digits during their 10-game winning streak, which is the longest active run in the league.

''We can definitely play better and just sustain our level of play and be more consistent over 48 minutes. It's hard,'' Curry said. ''As long as you keep that at the forefront and challenge yourselves, that's what hopefully inspires to continue to get better.

"It's not going to be pretty every minute we're out there, it's not going to be perfect, we're not going to blow everybody out. But we strive to be great every night.''

Curry had 41 points in a 135-116 win at Phoenix on Nov. 27, then finished with 25 while Klay Thompson poured in 43 in a 128-103 home win over the Suns on Dec. 16. Curry is averaging 32.5 points and shooting 56.3 percent - 53.3 from behind the arc - his last four against the Suns.

Opponents routing Phoenix (14-39) has been commonplace for much of the season, but it has been more competitive since Watson's debut Feb. 2 after the firing of Jeff Hornacek.

The Suns have dropped all four under Watson during their eight-game losing streak but only one by double-digits - Monday's 122-106 loss to Oklahoma City. They led by as many as six in the third quarter, though, before coming undone.

Markieff Morris finished with 23 points and is averaging 21 under Watson after scoring 10.2 in his first 32. Archie Goodwin added 20 for Phoenix, which has dropped 23 of 25 but also is dealing with injuries to Brandon Knight, Eric Bledsoe, T.J. Warren and Ronnie Price.

Knight and Price are expected to return after the break, but Bledsoe and Warren are out for the season.

"We have to love the process, embrace the process and be a part of the journey," Watson said after the Suns shot 50.7 percent for their highest mark in their last 17 games.

''I think you see our team, we're growing, we're getting better. We're not discouraged. We won't be discouraged.''

Slowing the Warriors likely will be a tough task with Phoenix allowing the second-most points per game in the league at 106.7. Golden State is averaging 122.3 during its winning streak - nearly seven more than its season average - and has shot 54.4 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from 3-point range in the two meetings this season.

Mirza Teletovic is averaging 15.7 points over his last three and had a season-high 24 in the last matchup with the Warriors.

Golden State said after Tuesday's contest that coach Steve Kerr was feeling ill, but he still plans to fly to with the team to Phoenix.