The Golden State Warriors’ 2025-26 season came to a sudden end on Friday night in Phoenix, where the Suns defeated them 111-96 in the play-in tournament. Stephen Curry, battling through the lingering effects of a knee injury, finished with just 17 points on the night as the Warriors were eliminated from postseason contention.
Just two nights earlier, however, Curry delivered a vintage performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of the most dangerous players in the league. Facing elimination against the Clippers, the 38-year-old superstar exploded for 35 points — including 27 in the second half alone — and drained seven three-pointers in a thrilling 126-121 comeback victory at the Intuit Dome. Down by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter, Curry took over, hitting a clutch step-back three with 50 seconds remaining to break a tie and propel Golden State forward. That heroic effort kept the Warriors’ season alive temporarily, but it ultimately could not prevent their exit in Phoenix.
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While the Warriors’ campaign concluded with disappointment, one of their fiercest competitors offered a resounding endorsement of Curry’s place in basketball history. On his Twitch stream while watching highlights from the Warriors-Clippers play-in thriller, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown made a declaration that sent ripples through the NBA world.
“Steph Curry is one of the 5 greatest players to ever play this game,” Brown said without hesitation. “Y’all can say whatever you want, fill in the rest. Steph Curry is top 5.”
The statement carries significant weight coming from Brown, who battled Curry directly on the sport’s grandest stage. In the 2022 NBA Finals, Brown and the Celtics faced the Warriors in a hard-fought series that Golden State ultimately won in six games. Brown has since reflected candidly on that matchup, identifying Boston’s use of drop coverage against Curry as a critical tactical error that allowed the sharpshooter to feast. “We was in a drop coverage on Steph Curry,” Brown recalled earlier this month. “We should have never been in a drop coverage.”
That respect, forged through direct competition and a painful loss, has only deepened over time. After winning his own championship with the Celtics in 2024 and earning Finals MVP honors, Brown speaks with the authority of someone who has experienced elite basketball from both sides — as a challenger and as a champion.
What Makes the Claim Stand Up
Curry’s credentials are undeniable. He has captured two NBA MVP awards, including the first unanimous selection in league history, and secured four championships with the Warriors. His 2022 Finals masterpiece — where he averaged 31.2 points per game while leading Golden State to the title — silenced many remaining doubters about his ability to dominate on the biggest stage.
Beyond the hardware, Curry’s true legacy lies in how he transformed the game. He stretched defenses to unprecedented lengths, turning the three-point shot into a primary weapon and forcing every NBA team to rethink perimeter defense and spacing. At an age when many players begin to decline, Curry continues to produce moments of brilliance, as evidenced by his second-half explosion against the Clippers. Even in Friday’s loss, his presence commanded attention.
Brown’s praise highlights exactly that enduring impact. Watching Curry orchestrate a season-saving performance at 38 years old, the Celtics forward saw the same transcendent talent that has defined an era.
Why Brown’s Voice Matters
Few players have as much credibility on this subject as Jaylen Brown. He guarded Curry in the 2022 Finals, witnessed firsthand the chaos caused by his off-ball movement and limitless range, and later reflected on the strategic mistakes that contributed to Boston’s defeat. Having since climbed to the pinnacle himself, Brown understands what separates the all-time greats.
When a player of Brown’s caliber — a Finals MVP, two-time All-Star, and proven winner — places Curry in his personal top five without qualifiers, it demands attention across the basketball landscape. It is not casual fandom or media hype; it is the informed perspective of a peer who has competed at the highest level.
Final Word for the Warriors
The sting of Friday’s elimination is real, especially after Curry’s heroic effort two nights prior. A knee injury limited him when it mattered most, turning what could have been another deep playoff run into an early offseason.
Yet the bigger picture remains bright. Curry has made it clear he believes he has multiple productive years remaining, and performances like the one against the Clippers prove that the fire still burns. The résumé continues to grow, and his revolutionary influence on the sport is already secure.
Jaylen Brown’s bombshell take — delivered with conviction while the Warriors’ season was still fresh in the rearview — serves as a powerful reminder: Stephen Curry’s greatness is not up for debate in the eyes of those who know it best. Top five all-time. No hesitation. That kind of respect is earned through years of unforgettable moments, and Curry is far from finished adding to his legend.