Inglewood, CA — On Sunday night, the Golden State Warriors fell to the Los Angeles Clippers 110-115 in their regular-season finale at Intuit Dome. Just two nights later, the same two teams will square off again — this time in a high-stakes, single-elimination NBA Play-In Tournament game with the Warriors’ season hanging in the balance.
For Stephen Curry and the Warriors, it has been a season defined by dashed expectations and relentless injury misfortune. Heading into the year, optimism ran high after the midseason acquisition of Jimmy Butler, which many believed would propel Golden State toward another deep playoff run. That hope only grew stronger when fans reflected on how close the team came to advancing past the Minnesota Timberwolves in the previous postseason, before Curry’s injury derailed their momentum.
Then the injuries hit hard. Butler and Curry suffered significant setbacks less than two weeks apart. Butler underwent surgery for a torn right ACL in February, launching him into a long rehabilitation process that will sideline him for the remainder of this season and likely stretch into next year. Curry, meanwhile, missed 27 consecutive games with a runner’s knee injury (patellofemoral pain syndrome and bone bruising) before returning to action recently.
Despite the setbacks, Golden State finished the regular season at 37-45 and earned the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. Now, they must win Wednesday’s road Play-In game against the Clippers (the No. 9 seed) just to earn the right to face another opponent on Friday for a chance to reach the first round — where the defending champions would be waiting.
Warriors Commit to Key Steph Curry Decision for Play-In Game
Curry has appeared in just four games since his return, gradually building up his workload. In Sunday’s loss to the Clippers, the 38-year-old superstar logged a season-high 29 minutes since coming back, scoring 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-9 from three-point range.
For an aging veteran coming off a lengthy absence, that limited ramp-up is far from ideal preparation for the intensity of a win-or-go-home contest. Yet the Warriors have no choice but to play the hand they’ve been dealt.
The good news? Golden State appears prepared to push Curry’s minutes higher when it matters most.
According to Warriors insider Anthony Slater of The Athletic, head coach Steve Kerr indicated that Curry can “stretch to at least 30 minutes” in Wednesday’s Play-In game against the Clippers, “and hopefully more.” Kerr also confirmed that Curry will not play 40 minutes, a prudent stance given the veteran’s recent recovery. Curry himself expressed confidence on Friday that he could push beyond initial plans.
This represents a calculated but necessary escalation. Crossing the 30-minute threshold — and potentially going a bit higher — will be critical if the Warriors hope to maximize their slim chances on the road against a competitive Clippers squad.
Does Curry Have Another Superman Performance in Him?
The stakes could hardly be higher. At 38 years old and in his 17th NBA season, Curry has already shouldered an enormous burden this year. Now, after a two-plus-month layoff, he is being asked to carry a struggling team — one that sits eight games below .500 — through at least one (and potentially two) high-pressure Play-In games on the road, without the benefit of Chase Center’s raucous home crowd.
A “Steph-tastic” performance may very well be required. Curry’s elite shooting, playmaking, and leadership have defined Golden State’s dynasty for over a decade. If he can find rhythm quickly and elevate his game despite the minutes restriction and rust, the Warriors may still have a fighting chance.
However, the reality remains daunting. The Clippers will be motivated and familiar with Golden State after Sunday’s matchup. The Warriors’ supporting cast has been inconsistent all season, and the absence of Butler leaves a massive void on both ends of the floor.
Wednesday night in Inglewood will test not only Curry’s physical readiness but also the resilience of a franchise that has thrived on overcoming adversity. For Warriors fans, the hope is that one more signature night from the greatest shooter the game has ever seen can extend the season and keep the dream of another playoff run alive — however improbable it may now seem.
The Play-In game tips off Wednesday night. For Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, it’s do-or-die time.