The NBA star admitted what many suspected after narrowly avoiding another early postseason exit

Stephen Curry isn’t one to show nerves—but after Tuesday night’s rollercoaster win, even he had to acknowledge the pressure. The Golden State Warriors survived a near-collapse against the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA play-in tournament, escaping with a 121-116 win to officially punch their ticket to the playoffs.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Curry admitted the moment brought more than just satisfaction—it brought relief.

“Just a sense of relief that we have something to look forward to now,” Curry said after the final buzzer. And he earned that relief the hard way.

 

 
Stephen Curry against the Grizzlies © Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Curry Takes Over Late as Warriors Nearly Blow 20-Point Lead

Golden State looked to be in full control early, building a 20-point lead in the first half. But by the fourth quarter, things unraveled. Memphis took its first lead since the first quarter with 8:18 left on a Jaren Jackson Jr. three-pointer, going up 101-100.

That’s when Curry stepped in.

 

The Warriors’ superstar dropped 15 points in the final quarter alone, playing all but one second. In his last two games, Curry has scored 36 points in the fourth quarter and overtime combined, shooting 7-of-9 from beyond the arc in those clutch moments.

Tuesday’s win not only sends the Warriors into the postseason for the first time since 2022-23, it also marks their first-ever play-in tournament victory after an 0-3 record in past attempts.

Now, Golden State shifts its focus to the Houston Rockets, with Game 1 of their first-round series set for Sunday night. For Curry, it’s finally time to breathe—and reset.

Steph Curry Sends Out Viral Instagram Post After Grizzlies-Warriors Game

Steph Curry made a post to Instagram.

Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in between free throw by Curry in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

On Tuesday evening, the Golden State Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies (in the play-in tournament) by a score of 121-116.

Steph Curry went off for 37 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal while shooting 9/22 from the field and 6/13 from the three-point range in 39 minutes of playing time.

Via Bleacher Report: “Jimmy Buckets and Chef Curry TOOK OVER in the Play-in

Jimmy: 38 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
Steph: 37 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST

Scary duo.”

 

After the big win, Curry made a post to Instagram that had over 700,000 likes in seven hours.

Curry wrote: “Took us 83 games but we did it! See yall in Houston!”

 

Many people left comments on Curry’s post.

NBA Shooting Coach (Chris Matthews): “The best shooter EVER… He understands it 🎯”

Carlos Boozer: “You’re fun to watch my man!!! Keep going”

@sean_not_shawn_: “Greatest shooter to ever touch a basketball.”

@romarree: “stephen curry,i’m just blessed to live in the same timeline as you, it’s an honor to watch you play. the greatest athlete of all time.”

 
Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; 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. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Warriors are the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

They will now face off against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs.

Game 1 of the series will be on Sunday in Texas.

Via @Klutch_23: “Per ESPN Analytics, the Houston Rockets have a 54% chance to beat the Golden State Warriors in the first round, which means them slight favorites, per ESPN.

Not sure if I agree with this.”