Jalen Green reveals Stephen Curry's Thunder advice after 36-point masterpiece vs. Warriors

The young Suns guard reflects on his relationship with the Warriors legend and the wisdom he imparted after their latest matchup.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game, with the players and court rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the intense on-court rivalry between rising star Jalen Green and legendary shooter Stephen Curry.Phoenix Today

After Jalen Green's Phoenix Suns were defeated by Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors in the 2025 NBA playoffs, the two stars met up after their latest matchup, where Curry offered Green some advice: 'Go handle business in OKC.' Green opened up about his long-standing relationship with Curry, who has served as a mentor to the young guard over the years, even inviting him to work out in Oakland when Green was just 16 years old. Despite their on-court rivalry, the two have maintained a close bond, with Curry providing guidance to Green as he navigates the NBA playoffs.

Why it matters

The relationship between Jalen Green and Stephen Curry is an intriguing one, as the young Suns guard looks to follow in the footsteps of the Warriors legend. Curry's advice to 'go handle business in OKC' suggests he sees immense potential in Green and wants to see him succeed, even if it comes at the expense of Curry's own team. This mentorship dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue to their on-court matchups, as Green seeks to prove himself against his idol.

The details

In the latest clash between the Suns and Warriors, it was Green who came out on top, dropping 36 points in a 111-96 victory over Curry and Golden State. This came just days after Green had a 35-point performance in the Suns' Play-In loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Green's fiery play style and competitive nature have drawn comparisons to Curry, who is known for taking his game to another level in the playoffs. As Green prepares to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, he'll be looking to heed Curry's advice and 'handle business' against his next opponent.

  • On April 18, 2026, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 111-96.
  • In the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Warriors defeated the Suns in the first round.

The players

Jalen Green

A young guard for the Phoenix Suns who has developed a close relationship with Warriors legend Stephen Curry over the years, with Curry serving as a mentor to Green since he was a teenager.

Stephen Curry

The superstar point guard for the Golden State Warriors, widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters and players of all time. Curry has taken Green under his wing and provided guidance to the young Suns guard as he navigates the NBA playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“He's just telling me, 'go handle business in OKC.'.. He's kind of been somewhat of a mentor. I was able to get his number, reach out through these years. He's been kind of something like a mentor. Playing against him is always great. One of the greatest shooters, greatest players of all time.”

— Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns Guard

What’s next

Green and the Suns will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs, where Green will look to heed Curry's advice and 'handle business' against his next opponent.

The takeaway

The relationship between Jalen Green and Stephen Curry is a unique one, as the young Suns guard seeks to follow in the footsteps of the Warriors legend. Curry's mentorship and guidance have been invaluable to Green's development, and their on-court rivalry only adds to the intrigue as Green looks to prove himself against his idol.