Curry Embraces Warriors' Unlikely Play-In Bid After Injury-Plagued Season

Golden State's superstar remains optimistic despite the team's struggles to 10th in the West.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with players' forms broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape, the court and arena fading into the background.Curry and the Warriors battle through a challenging season, their championship aspirations fractured by injuries but still alive in the play-in tournament.Oklahoma City Today

Despite a disappointing 37-45 regular season record, the Golden State Warriors have a chance to extend their season by winning two straight road games in the NBA's play-in tournament. All-Star guard Stephen Curry acknowledged the team's unusual position as the 10th seed, noting this is the second time in his career the Warriors have found themselves in the play-in round. Curry cited the team's rash of injuries throughout the year as a major factor in their struggles, but expressed excitement at the opportunity to keep their season alive.

Why it matters

The Warriors' fall from grace has been one of the NBA's biggest storylines this season. After winning four championships in eight seasons, Golden State has battled injuries and inconsistency, missing the playoffs entirely. Curry's positive attitude despite the adversity underscores his leadership and the franchise's determination to return to title contention.

The details

Finishing 10th in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record, the Warriors will need to win two consecutive road games in the play-in tournament to secure a first-round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. After losing 115-110 to the Los Angeles Clippers in their first play-in game, the Warriors will have to beat the Clippers again at the Intuit Dome and then defeat the loser of the Phoenix Suns-Portland Trail Blazers game.

  • The Warriors lost 115-110 to the Clippers on April 12, 2026.
  • The Warriors will face the Clippers again in the play-in tournament on April 15, 2026.

The players

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' superstar point guard and four-time NBA champion, who has led Golden State to unprecedented success over the past decade.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Warriors' potential first-round playoff opponent if they can advance through the play-in tournament.

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What they’re saying

“So, we've been 10th twice now?" Curry asked before he laughed upon confirmation.”

— Stephen Curry, Warriors Guard

“This is such a unique year the way it's going, because you didn't underperform. It's just that so many players were injured that you had to change the focus and objectives at some point.”

— Stephen Curry, Warriors Guard

What’s next

If the Warriors can win their next two play-in games, they will advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

Despite a disappointing regular season marred by injuries, Stephen Curry and the Warriors remain focused on extending their season through the play-in tournament. Curry's positive attitude and leadership will be crucial as Golden State fights to return to the playoffs and potentially make another championship run.