Stephen Curry Talks ‘Sense of Relief’ After Warriors’ NBA Play-In Win vs. Grizzlies

Stephen Curry couldn’t help but rest easier after the Golden State Warriors officially made the playoffs with a 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA play-in tournament on Tuesday night.

Speaking to reporters following the win, Curry admitted to feeling a “sense of relief” knowing the Warriors can prepare for a first-round postseason matchup with the Houston Rockets.

“Just a sense of relief that we have something to look forward to now,” Curry said.

The game certainly wasn’t without drama, as the Warriors had to hold on for dear life after blowing a 20-point first-half lead.

Memphis went up 101-100 on Jaren Jackson Jr.’s three with 8:18 remaining. It was the first lead for the Grizzlies since going up 16-13 midway through the first quarter.

The Warriors rebounded thanks in large part to Curry’s outstanding fourth quarter. He scored 15 of the team’s 27 points, playing all but one second in the final period.

Curry has scored 36 points in the fourth quarter and overtime of his last two games. He is 7-of-9 from three-point range during this span.

Not only does the win send the Warriors to the playoffs for the first time since the 2022-23 season, but it also gives them four days off before their series against the Rockets begins.

The Warriors have had to be in playoff mode for much of April as they tried to solidify their seeding in the Western Conference. Things didn’t work out as planned due to Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, dropping them into the play-in tournament.

Tuesday’s win also marks Golden State’s first victory in the play-in tournament, snapping an 0-3 skid dating back to 2021.

Curry and the Warriors will play the Rockets at Toyota Center in Game 1 on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Dubs-Grizzlies Postgame Reaction 📝