Vintage performances from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green sparked the Warriors to a comeback victory in Wednesday’s elimination game against the Clippers, writes Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. As Anthony Slater of ESPN details, Golden State trailed by as many as 13 points with under 10 minutes remaining, but clutch shots from Curry — and clutch defense from Green — led the team to a play-in win.
“We came back every single time they made a run,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “An incredible display of guts and competitiveness and connection. Then obviously Steph and Dray took over down the stretch. Draymond is the best defender I’ve ever seen in my life.”
According to Slater, Green prevented Kawhi Leonard (21 points on 8-of-17 shooting, five turnovers) from attempting a field goal in the 12 half-court possessions he defended the Clippers star in the fourth quarter. Green sealed the victory with two steals in the final minute — one on on inbound pass which led to an and-one for Brandin Podziemski, and the other a clean strip of Leonard when the Clips were down six and desperate to score.
“They had a great game plan,” Leonard said, per Thompson. “Just being physical all game. Making sure I don’t get catch-and-shoot shots. Blasting every pick and roll. … And then, you know, Draymond, Hall of Fame defender. So, yeah, it was hard to even get shots off.”
Green has long relished the chance to compete against — and beat — the best players in the league, notes Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
“There will never be a person that I would want to prove more to than myself,” said Green. “The same people that say I lost a step said I never had a step. They’re the same people that said I would never make it and I should be out the NBA and I ride a coattail. And the list goes on and on. Those are the same people. So ultimately, when you step on the floor, this is competition. You want to be your best.”
Here’s more on the Warriors, who will play at Phoenix on Friday to determine the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference:
- Curry shook off a rough first half (eight points on 2-of-9 shooting) and to deliver a sublime final two quarters, scoring 27 points (on 10-of-14 shooting) and dishing out four assists after halftime. The 38-year-old star showed why he was determined to return this season after a persistent right knee injury caused him to miss 27 consecutive games, as Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area writes. “This is why Steph came back,” Kerr told reporters in Inglewood. “So, everybody out there who thought Steph should have taken the rest of the year off, this is what he does! This is who he is! If he can compete, he’s going to compete. And it was just incredible to watch.”
- Curry and Green had plenty of help to win Wednesday’s game, with Gui Santos (20 points, six rebounds, five assists), Kristaps Porzingis (20 points, five rebounds five assists, two blocks) and Al Horford all delivering in key moments. Horford’s contributions may have been the most unexpected, per Nick Friedell of The Athletic — the veteran big man was 0-for-3 from three-point range entering the fourth quarter, then converted all four of his attempts down the stretch. “Steph was in my ear,” said Horford, who returned to action from a calf strain with two games left in the regular season. “Draymond was in my ear the whole time, giving me that confidence and letting me know that I do that, that I’m capable of (that). And for me, that was a special moment that I shared with them there, and with our season on the line, it was pretty fitting.”
- Porzingis is listed as questionable for Friday’s game due to right ankle soreness (Twitter link via Slater). The impending free agent center was “limping a bit” after Wednesday’s victory, Slater writes.
- According to Slater (Twitter video link), Kerr isn’t expected to make a decision about his coaching future in the immediate aftermath of whenever the Warriors’ season comes to an end. For what it’s worth, Golden State’s longtime coach, who is on expiring contract, was euphoric after Wednesday’s win. “There’s a reason we have four championships,” Kerr said, per Slater. “With all the wins we’ve ever had here — a lot of them with a lot more at stake — this is right up there. Just because of where we are and our age and the decline of our performance this year and our injuries. It was just a beautiful display of competitive will.”
- In an interview with Mark Medina of RG.org, Gary Payton II discusses playing with Curry and Green and the news that Seattle is being considered for an expansion team. Payton, the son of SuperSonics legend Gary Payton, was born in the Emerald City. “It’s about time. Hopefully, I can get there before my career is over and put on a Sonics jersey,” the younger Payton said. “We’ll see how it plays out. But if not, it’ll be good to go up there and see some games.”
Sending the Clippers home last night and showing the league and its players that they’re not done was magnificent.
Maybe some of them want to give it a go in San Francisco next year and try to win a ring? Seems like they still have what it takes to get things done.
But let’s do the proper job tomorrow night in Phoenix. We all know what’s necessary, we all know what they should do.
Let’s hope they’re intelligent enough to accomplish it and not get carried away with the emotion of the moment.
One job. The 11th pick in the 2026 NBA draft. End of story.
So kerr plays a taller lineup that helps Green play in the middle instead of guarding a center and it pays off. Why warriors needs to bring back Horford and KP. When they are on the floor Green can guard the best scorer on the oppossing team.
Yes, Green can play quick forward in that lineup as long as they have shooting at the four and the five…, Because you lose it with Greymond at the three.
Nice looking lineup and I’d be glad to have Horford back, but KP? He’s doubtful for Friday already with “ankle soreness?”
Turned the ankle in the 4th Q last night.
Kerr also not trying to shoehorn as many terrible Pat Spencer minutes as possible really did help the team. Hm. Almost like every single one of my criticisms of him were valid, and I (and anyone with a functioning brain) know how to make the Warriors win more games than he does, or something.
Its almost like the more actual-Small Forward players they have, who are ACTUAL Small Forwards and not guards being forced into the role, the better. One of Kerr’s top 100 worst things he does is he expects every single SG to also be a SF, when none of them have ever been in that role.
HBarnes, MBarnes, Iguodala, Durant, Wiggins, Santos…Dubs always need a solid actual SF, not a SG who is being forced to play SF like Moody, Payton, Podz, Melton, Cryer, Richard were this year. Small ball gotta go. Dubs will be better once they realize this.
You are still confused about how things work. Kerr doesn’t control the personell. He plays who the front office gives him.
But you’re the doofus who said the Lakers were a bottom 4 team, that teams like Portland would disappear, and any number of other absolutely wrong takes. I wonder where you’ll be when Curry retires? “Who? Me? A Warriors fan?” Huh?
Coming out of training camp, Kerr said he wanted to play Post and Horford together. Bring back Post, KP, Bassey, and Horford. Have Draymond decline his option but bring him back at lower number, longer term. They can draft a guy in the 2nd round and have Dray be his mentor.
This might sound crazy. But, Steph has already expressed interest in doing something like this.
Nope!
finally, Gary…..some positivity. and dont lie….before yesterday’s game you were negative Nelly……you are like the wind. sir
Gary is just your average Boston Red Sox fan – Dub Nation does not claim him, we don’t claim anyone who thinks a team with Steph Curry on it “cant win”. If you ever said you hoped GSW would lose for the draft pick, or that you would rather have a lottery pick instead of playoffs Steph, then you are not a real fan, you are a fake fan, period.
Every member of Dub Nation should know the drill by now – you don’t bet against a healthy Curry, and you should be 100% against any type of rebuild. If you do, you are just stupid and don’t know ball.
That was a great game from some ancient ballers. Vintage!
Who told you all GSW would take a massive leap once they had Steph+KP+Al+Dray all actually playing together? ME. Who is the only one here giving them a huge chance at beating OKC? ME.
Who better than Steph Curry? NO ONE.
All these naysaying, loser-mentality, fake-Dub Nation, mute list-fodder posters on here are once again, proven wrong over and over. Take your draft picks and shove them, we just need to win. Curry WILL play DEEP into his 40s. Bring us Giannis and the dynasty WILL continue!!! BELIEVE in STEPH!!!
Lol you’re not getting past the Thunder
Clippers choking in the playoffs is like tax season death and you being wrong. It’s inevitable.
They may squeak past the Suns Brooks and Green on the same floor is gonna be AMAZING for entertainment purposes
But even if they win they’re the 8th seed with Curry on a minutes limit cause of his knee. Hes not playing 40+ minutes in a 7 game series no shot.
Curry played last Sunday and had 4 days of rest before Wednesday. He has another day off today before playing tomorrow. That’s 2 games in the span of 6 days.
He’s finna be expected to play 4 games in a week and 7 games in 15 days
He’s not gonna stay on the floor 40+ minutes
It’s easy to put Green on Kawahi with Garland as really the only offensive threat
It’s not easy to put Green on Jdub with SGA Holgrem out there. He’s not that good.
Where do you get this idea that Curry is going to be playing 40+ minutes a night? He never has. Why start now.
His playoffs average is 37.5MPG. He’s averaged over 40 before.
He’s gonna have to play 40’a night against the Thunder
“Curry was essential to the Warriors’ 126-121 comeback win over the Clippers, with his offensive rating differential showing the team is 8.6 points per 100 possessions better when he is on the court. While specific plus-minus data for his bench time in that exact game is not broken out, in previous high-stakes matchups, the Warriors have been heavily outscored when Curry rests”
To beat the thunder? You just watched clippers make insane runs when curry wasn’t on the floor due to rest pushing the lead 9 to double digit and that’s the clippers.
You rest curry against a team like the thunder yeah good luck with a minutes limit on curry
Who is saying the warriors are getting past OKC? When asked about playing OKC Kerr said in a interview yesterday he doesn’t even want to think about it. OKC is too deep for either Warriors are Suns it would take a couple of injuries for OKC to lose.
Davey J. 2.0 – the next generation
April 16, 2026
Who told you all GSW would take a massive leap once they had Steph+KP+Al+Dray all actually playing together? ME.
********Who is the only one here giving them a huge chance at beating OKC? ME.********
All these naysaying, loser-mentality, fake-Dub Nation, mute list-fodder posters on here are once again, proven wrong over and over. Take your draft picks and shove them, we just need to win
Turns out they were right and you were wrong Davey lmao they were right all along and you were wrong all along
That’s not the sky falling. That’s Jalen Green raining threes down on your season lol
And who nullifies Green? Moody and Butler. This Warriors team, if fully healthy, was a top 4 roster. You cannot deny this. Clearly my post was just trolling you all and I knew GSW had slim chances to win it all, but slim is not none, like these phony coward losers who prefer rebuilding to winning – that was sickening to watch all these so-called “fans” cry about wanting a pick in the draft instead of making the playoffs. Sick to my stomach, the worst “fans” ever. Just go be Kings fans, that’s more yall’s speed.
“Turns out they were right and you were wrong Davey lmao they were right all along and you were wrong all along”
Hysterical much? Say what you will, but I NEVER cheer for or openly want my team to lose. I am a fan and I am allowed to root for my team and talk trash because we have won 4 rings with Steph Curry. Anyone is allowed to do this for their team too. Gary is a worthless Warriors fan who wanted them to lose – disgusting behavior. Every Warriors fan who wanted a stupid draft pick that our idiot front office will draft another 6’2″ guard with is a fake fan. Only real fans want them to win.
We tied to tell you this was gonna happen
Lmfao…big leap. Big leap to where, the lottery for the foreseeable future.
That is kings future
arc, the 2025–26 Warriors quickly DID become the King’s future. Actually worse !!
Rolling out a G league roster and starting three Santa Cruz Warriors a bunch of games is not what they had in mind for this last season.
At least Warriors had an excuse for that horrible lineup. Injuries. The new question is do you want them to beat Suns just to lose to OKC in the next round? Only reason is to not see Dillion Brooks in the playoffs. You know he is getting a T tonight trying to hurt a warrior player.
Ha ha right on Dillon Brooks. He even said he “wanted to face the Warriors” lol.
Injuries are never an excuse though. Every team has them and that’s why you have to have bench depth.., or if you don’t.., you need it !!
Another fact, the Warriors might have a ring or 2 because of injuries to the other teams lol
brooks actually said he was preparing for the clippers because there was no way they would beat the clippers.
Right, but look what happened. Voilà we sent them fishing early, and on their own home court.
arc, What do you mean by “Brooks actually said?”
link to aol.com
“”Dillon Brooks explicitly stated he wanted to face the Golden State Warriors in the 2026 NBA play-in tournament. Following a win-or-go-home, according to a video on AZSports|X and discussed on Instagram,
“”Brooks cited a desire to play against “Steph and Draymond. That’s it. And Steve Kerr,” according to a video on AZSports|X and discussed on Instagram. He indicated he was rooting for them to win their previous play-in game.””
Brooks said before the clippers series that the Suns were preparing to play the Clippers not the warriors.
What are you crying about now? DFFFFRDGGGHGUHHHHBFDSSGHH
Let your carer speak for clarity. You’ve won a play in game, wow. Bleak future ahead.
Quite possibly Nrg.., but let’s see if Dunleavy can work his magic this summer.
We won’t have the Jonathan Kuminga nightmare to deal with so junior will have free reign to build something.
The league saw what many already knew on Wednesday night…, Curry is not done and Greymond is not done.
The Clippers didn’t own their own draft pick.., they had every reason to give it all they had and their friendly neighbors to the north stomped on their neck in a big way.., in their own arena.
Let’s see if the Warriors can put a playoff roster together this summer.
the sad thing for him is hating the warriors so much that he rather see the warriors lose than cheer for the kings. That is bitter.
Who Nrg82? Nope.., he just calls out the very interesting warrior fans on this website who talk nonsense, write stuff with zero respect for other commenters, has ridiculous, nonsensical basketball opinions, and is just a exercise in frustration when trying to have a conversation.
So I don’t think Nrg hates the Warriors. He just goes after the incredibly horrible takes that we find here almost daily. I definitely have his back in that regard.
Well, he definitely hates me. I guess I’m one of those horrible Warriors fans, LOL. I guess nothing new.
No, Giants, you’re not right on that. You’re on the front lines and you defend all of us true warrior fans. Much respect to you.
You take the heat and dish it out. The things you write, I think are true where some others post some ridiculous garbage that makes no sense. <—- and I think those are the folks that Nrg attacks (with my blessing of course.)
I’ve never seen you call anyone a bad name or you go after someone who hasn’t first insulted you.
I think you know basketball and you don’t take any crap from the naysayers.
Just think of the people who you go to war with most of the time. Angry Al and Delusional 0.0. That’s worth an award because I just couldn’t do it anymore. You’re a better man than me !!
No one can ever doubt Dray, dude is a HoFer if I ever saw one!
Anyone who disagrees is either a hater or has never watched a game of hoops, right?