On Sunday night, Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors suffered a 110-115 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers, the same opponent they’ll play again in two nights.
But this time, the season is on the line. The Warriors and Clippers will meet in a single-elimination contest for the right to continue the season.
It has been tough sledding all season for Curry and the Dubs. Even that’s a grave understatement.
This season was envisioned to be a highly successful one, especially considering what Golden State was able to do after it acquired Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline in February.
And with many fans feeling that the Warriors could’ve won the second round series over the Minnesota Timberwolves had Curry not gone down with injury, there was strong belief heading into this season this would be the year of another deep Warriors playoff run.
Then injuries put a stop to it all.
GettyInglewood, CA – April 12: Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler, and guards Stephen Curry (30) and Seth Curry (31) sit on the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Butler and Curry incurred significant injuries in the same month. One started a long ACL rehab journey while the other began a two-plus month shut down. It was a devastating couple of gut punches — both landing less than two weeks apart.
Still, Golden State has the opportunity to right all the wrong that has happened, but the team will be up against it against a competitive Clippers team Wednesday night.
Warriors Commit to Key Steph Curry Decision for Play-In Game
Curry has only played four tilts since returning from a runner’s knee injury that sidelined him for 27 consecutive games. For an aging player coming off lengthy injury recovery, that isn’t nearly enough time to recuperate and prepare for the intensity of a winner-take-all play-in game.
But Curry and the Warriors have to play the hand they’ve been dealt.
The 38-year-old Golden State star has progressively seen his minutes restriction softened in the four game he’s been back. For the all-important fifth game, Curry will certainly need to plan on playing some more if he hopes his team has a chance to beat L.A.
In Sunday’s loss to the Clippers, Curry logged 29 minutes, the most since returning to action the previous Sunday against the Houston Rockets.
For the Warriors to maximize their chances of winning Wednesday’s game, Curry will almost certainly need to cross the 30-minute mark.
The good news is Golden State seems ready to place a heavier load on its superstar.
According to team insider Anthony Slater, the Warriors are hopeful Curry can play at least 30 minutes in the play-in game.
“Steve Kerr said he thinks Steph Curry can stretch to at least 30 minutes in the play-in game on Wednesday night vs Clippers and ‘hopefully more,’” Slater wrote on X. “He said last night Curry wouldn’t play 40. Curry said Friday he thinks he will be able to push for a few more than planned.”
Does he Have Another Superman Performance in Him?
Because they’ll need it. Badly.
At 38 and nearing the end of his 17th season, Curry has already been asked to do an awful lot. After a two-plus month layoff, now he’s been tasked to get his struggling team, one that’s eight games below .500, through two play-in games just to set up a date with the defending NBA champions in the first round.
It would be one thing if the Warriors got to play in Chase Center behind their boisterous fans, but because they’re on the road, they’ll need a true Steph-tastic performance to come out victorious.
Warriors Announce Major Steph Curry Decision Ahead of Play-In vs Clippers