Stephen Curry reminded the basketball world why he remains one of the most dangerous players on the planet, erupting for 35 points as the Golden State Warriors eliminated the LA Clippers 126-121 in the SoFi Play-In Tournament on Tuesday night.
The Warriors trailed by as many as 10 points on multiple occasions but refused to fold. Curry, who returned from a two-month injury absence earlier this season, was the catalyst for a ferocious fourth-quarter rally that sent the Clippers home and kept Golden State's postseason hopes alive.
"It felt just like the playoffs," Curry said after the game. "We were down 10 four or five different times and never gave up."
The 38-year-old guard hit a barrage of clutch three-pointers down the stretch, pulling the Warriors level before pushing them ahead for good in the final minutes. His performance was vintage Curry — the kind of shot-making that has defined an era.
"I know I was only out for two months, but it was difficult because I didn't know day-to-day how I'd feel," Curry admitted. "When I'm out here and able to do what I get to do, I'm blessed."
Draymond Green delivered another masterclass in two-way basketball, dishing out nine assists while effectively shutting down Kawhi Leonard in the fourth quarter. Curry was effusive in his praise of his long-time teammate.
"I ran out of words to describe his influence and impact," Curry said. "He's battling like a little cold and he's just fighting through."
ESPN's Brian Windhorst captured the significance of the performance perfectly.
"Champions never disappear, they just get older," Windhorst said. "All their champions showed up — Curry, Draymond with a vintage performance, and Al Horford."
Al Horford, the 40-year-old veteran in his 19th NBA season, provided crucial minutes off the bench. Despite shooting struggles, his defensive presence and championship poise steadied the Warriors during the Clippers' runs.
"You can't teach that championship grip," Curry said of Horford. "He's won everywhere he's been."
For the Clippers, Bennedict Mathurin led the scoring with 23 points, while Darius Garland contributed 21 points and eight assists. Kris Dunn orchestrated the offense with 10 assists and John Collins grabbed nine rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome Curry's brilliance.
Kawhi Leonard, who had been outstanding all season, was neutralized in the decisive fourth quarter by Green's relentless defensive pressure. Curry acknowledged the mutual respect between himself and Leonard.
"There's just greatness that pushes you to new heights," Curry said of the rivalry.
The Warriors now advance to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday in a winner-take-all game for the final playoff spot.
"The same resiliency," Curry said when asked what it will take against Phoenix. "Coach talked about winner-go-home scenarios. You have to withstand the runs and stay emotionally locked in."
With Chris Porzingis stretching the floor and providing rim pressure, and Brandin Podziemski hauling in a team-high seven rebounds, Golden State demonstrated the depth that could make them a dangerous first-round opponent if they can get past the Suns.
For now, the Warriors faithful can savour another classic Curry performance — and another reminder that counting out the greatest shooter in NBA history is always a mistake.
