Curry's Epic Performance Settles Warriors Debate

Steph Curry's 35-point game leads Golden State to play-in tournament victory over Clippers.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the intense action of a basketball game, with Steph Curry as the central figure surrounded by geometric shapes and planes of color representing the movement and energy of the high-stakes contest.Steph Curry's heroic performance lifts the Warriors to a crucial play-in tournament victory over the Clippers, extending their season and silencing doubters.Inglewood Today

Stephen Curry scored 35 points, including 27 in the second half, to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 121-116 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA play-in tournament. The win extends the Warriors' season and settles a debate among fans over whether Curry should have returned from a knee injury earlier in the season.

Why it matters

Curry's return and dominant performance proved he was right to want to rejoin his teammates and compete for a playoff spot, despite some fans and pundits suggesting he should have sat out the rest of the season to fully recover. His leadership and clutch play lifted the Warriors when they needed it most.

The details

With the Clippers' defense focused on limiting Curry's production, he still managed to shoot 12-of-23 from the field, including 7-of-12 from 3-point range. Curry scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half, helping the Warriors overcome multiple deficits and eventually take the lead for good in the fourth quarter. Teammates Gui Santos, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Draymond Green also made key contributions to the victory.

  • Curry returned to action 10 days ago after a 65-day absence due to persistent soreness in his right knee.
  • The Warriors and Clippers faced off in the NBA play-in tournament on April 16, 2026.

The players

Stephen Curry

The star point guard of the Golden State Warriors, who scored 35 points to lead his team to victory over the Clippers in the play-in tournament.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors, who praised Curry's performance and decision to return to the court.

Draymond Green

The veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors, who praised Curry's leadership and determination in playing through adversity.

Kawhi Leonard

The superstar forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, who was held in check by the Warriors' defense.

Gui Santos

The young forward for the Golden State Warriors, who scored 20 points to support Curry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is why Steph came back. So, everybody out there who thought Steph should have taken the rest of the year off, this is what he does! This is who he is! If he can compete, he's going to compete. And it was just incredible to watch.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

“When the head of the snake is locked in like that and everything's going wrong for him and he stays dialed in and continues to push forward, no one else is allowed to drop your head. You're going to watch this guy who has nothing to play for. If he goes home today, he's Steph Curry. Nothing is changing that.”

— Draymond Green, Forward, Golden State Warriors

“This is what you work all year for all summer, all offseason. We're not guaranteed a series yet, but these nights make everything worth it because you feel the anxiety of having to perform when the lights are bright, a do-or-die game.”

— Stephen Curry

What’s next

The Warriors will face the Phoenix Suns in a winner-take-all play-in game on Friday, with the winner advancing to the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

Steph Curry's heroic performance proved he was right to return from injury and fight for the Warriors' playoff hopes, silencing those who thought he should have sat out the rest of the season. His leadership, clutch play, and determination to compete lifted the team when they needed it most, setting up an exciting play-in game against the Suns.