Stephen Curry credited the Warriors’ resilience in Saturday’s 119-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center. “Yeah, for sure…there’s a lot of relief at the end of the game. Unbelievable performance from Will Richard coming off an extended time not in the rotation, not just the scoring but his presence all over the floor,” Curry said.
Curry highlighted the importance of bench contributions throughout the contest. “GP defensively, BP big rebound at the end of the game. Trace getting extended time. Ghee, fourth quarter, just getting his number called and being ready…everybody being ready to play is huge.”
Addressing the early deficit and Draymond Green’s ejection, Curry explained, “It’s tough because we were energized at the beginning, knowing this was a good opportunity to bounce back. Without him, we had to play even tougher and dig deeper down the rotation.”
On maintaining poise at halftime, Curry added, “Honestly, it wasn’t that much talk other than normal X’s and O’s…resiliency coming out of halftime, digging deep, and giving ourselves a lead where you can withstand a small run by them and still have control of the game.”
Curry emphasized the importance of the upcoming stretch of games. “Between now and All-Star break is the moving window of the season where you position yourself either on a run or looking behind you…we just focus on Orlando and what we need to do to beat that team.”
Defensively, Curry discussed guarding Devin Booker late in the game. “I’m used to it. My goal is to not give up any blowbys. He’s an unbelievable scorer, but you make him work…take two or three dribbles, a tough two…plays in our hands because we can keep the game moving.”
He reflected on the team’s defensive adjustments after Phoenix shot 70.8% in the opening quarter: “The adjustment is physicality on the ball…any team that gets open threes and layups with no resistance, that’s the best type of basketball for the opponent. We talked at the timeout, tried to get more physical and rotate earlier.”
Curry also praised Jimmy Butler’s recent offensive impact. “It’s the same Jimmy, just a little more emphasis on looking for a shot…our spacing gives him the ability to attack matchups, see the floor, and take advantage.”
Regarding his unconventional rotation, Curry explained, “We’ve had this six or seven times since Steve’s been coach…as long as I’m not surprised in-game, I can get my mind ready for whatever…just trying to switch it up a little bit.”
On operating without Green on the floor, Curry noted, “We run the same sets, play a little faster because there’s only one Draymond. Whoever’s out there, you do it by committee…get stops, try to take care of the ball, and get good shots up every possession.”
Curry concluded on handling pressure in clutch moments: “If anybody tells you they don’t get nervous, they’re lying. The smile on the last two free throws was more mental warfare for me—enjoy the moment instead of overthinking or worrying about mechanics.”
