Steph Curry Admits Feeling Relief After Warriors Survive Play-in Test

Warriors now face the Houston Rockets.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) flexes after making a free throw against the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) flexes after making a free throw against the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

In an ideal world, the Golden State Warriors would have clawed their way into one of the Western Conference's top six teams and avoided the play-in tournament completely. They weren't able to do that but accomplished the next-best thing by surviving the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night at home, ensuring that they'll get a best-of-seven series against the Houston Rockets.

After the final whistle, Steph Curry assessed his feelings.

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

Golden State toyed with surrendering a comfortable lead, which would have forced them into a do-or-die tilt for the last playoff spot in the West. It also would have further taxed a team that needs as much rest as it can earn. So the sentiment makes a lot of sense.

Not feeling a sense of relief? The Rockets, who are rewarded for their great season with a matchup against a dynasty and an all-time player.


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Kyle Koster
KYLE KOSTER

Kyle Koster is an assistant managing editor at Sports Illustrated covering the intersection of sports and media. He was formerly the editor in chief of The Big Lead, where he worked from 2011 to '24. Koster also did turns at the Chicago Sun-Times, where he created the Sports Pros(e) blog, and at Woven Digital.