The performance came as Curry, 38, continues his return from a knee injury that sidelined him for 27 games. He had played just four regular-season games before the single-elimination contest, leaving questions about how his body would respond in a pressure-packed moment.
Following the win, Curry’s team-high workload prompted a lengthy recovery, estimated at about 90 minutes, to recalibrate after the heavy minutes against the Clippers. He logged 36 minutes—the fourth time this year he reached that mark—and was not at the shootaround the next morning as he prioritized rest ahead of the next game.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr had anticipated Curry would play fewer than 40 minutes, and Curry’s minute total has trended upward only gradually since his return. Wednesday’s game marked a notable milestone as he crossed the 30-minute threshold for the first time since January, underscoring the delicate balance between his impact and his recovery.
There was a brief moment when Curry appeared to tweak an ankle, but the issue did not linger, adding to the caution surrounding his playing status for tonight’s play-in game. The Warriors will again lean on Curry as they try to replicate championship-caliber execution in a do-or-die scenario.
If Curry again leads the way, Golden State may have a chance to stretch their season just one more game. Tonight’s opponent—the Suns—adds another high-stakes test, with the Warriors hoping the extra rest and Curry’s continued efficiency pay off in another critical performance.
