Stephen Curry addressed the Golden State Warriors’ approach heading into a win-or-go-home play-in rematch after a 115-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday at Intuit Dome.
“Felt great knowing about our minutes just a little bit and trying to get as prepared for Wednesday as possible,” Curry said. “So physically in a decent spot and got hopefully enough rest to be myself on Wednesday.”
The veteran guard emphasized recovery and rhythm as the priority entering the elimination game. “Got hopefully enough rest to be myself on Wednesday,” he added.
Golden State now prepares for a decisive road matchup after finishing the regular season 37-45, with Curry highlighting urgency without panic.
“It’s going to be fun. We know who they are,” Curry said. “Played them twice since the trade deadline and a little faster pace.”
He also pointed to the Clippers’ defensive structure as a key challenge. “They’re a physical defensive team that likes to switch,” Curry said. “We got to be properly spaced on offense.”
The Warriors star stressed execution and discipline in half-court situations. “We know we’re going to have to withstand some runs,” he said. “Can we just play hard for 48 minutes and not shoot ourselves in the foot with turnovers like we did in the Sacramento game?”
Curry also acknowledged the evolving chemistry between himself and Kristaps Porzingis, noting early progress despite limited time together.
“Just two threats out there. I think that’s the biggest thing,” Curry said. “He can stretch the floor as a big. He can take advantage of mismatches in the post.”
He added that offensive timing is still developing. “We’ve figured out enough of the chemistry even in the pick and roll,” Curry said. “There are some things tonight that we worked on just knowing where he likes to be on the floor.”
The Warriors guard also addressed the emotional shift into a single-elimination setting. “Super easy because we’ve been there before whether it’s a game seven or that many play-in games,” Curry said. “It’s just come with the right approach.”
On the defensive side, Curry acknowledged the magnitude of containing Kawhi Leonard, who did not play in Sunday’s game. “You obviously know with a guy like Kawhi you can play your best defense that you want and you still get his numbers,” he said.
Golden State will lean on experience from its core as Draymond Green returns for the rematch. Curry pointed to long-term familiarity in high-stakes moments. “Had that confidence for 13 years now,” he said when referencing Green’s defensive presence.
Curry also reflected on facing elite players who have influenced his career path, including Clippers guard Darius Garland, who recently spoke about growing up watching him.
“It’s still weird, surreal this deep into your career that you have that influence,” Curry said. “But when he’s out there he’s always a threat.”
As the Warriors prepare for a do-or-die scenario, Curry framed the approach in simple terms.
“Just play hard for 48 minutes and give yourself a chance,” he said. “That’s all you want.”
