The Golden State Warriors are headed back to the Play-In Tournament, and you know Stephen Curry’s got some feelings about it. With a win-or-face-another-game matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 15, the vibes in the Bay are tense—but if there’s one man who knows what it’s like to get burned in the Play-In, it’s Steph. And he hasn’t forgotten anything, especially that one soul-crushing LeBron James dagger in 2021.
Yep, the right-wing fadeaway three over two defenders LeBron. You remember it. Steph definitely does.
Let’s rewind to May 19, 2021. The Warriors had just clawed their way back into the postseason conversation after a chaotic season. Steph had a ridiculous 37 points, shot over 50% from the field, and hit six threes. But none of that mattered when LeBron hit a deep three with the shot clock expiring and one good eye to bury the Dubs 103–100.
Curry remembered it like it happened five minutes ago. “Bron hits that shot on the right wing,” he said with that tone of, ‘I still lose sleep over that, thanks’. That’s the thing about Steph—he doesn’t forget the pain. Not from LeBron, not from Ja Morant and the Grizzlies a few nights later, and definitely not from a Warriors team that forgot how to box out in their latest loss.
Mar 1, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
After losing to the Clippers in OT to wrap up the regular season, Steph wasn’t here for any sugar-coating. When asked about the team giving up second and third-chance opportunities, he cut straight to it. “You can’t be casual. You can’t just take for granted that the ball is going to come your way,” he said, recounting a moment when he and Brandin Podziemski both half-heartedly went for a rebound, and Ben Simmons walked away with it.
Look, when Steph’s calling himself out and Podz in the same breath, it’s because he means business. The Warriors gave up six more offensive rebounds and got smoked 17–rebound–wise by a bigger Clippers team. That’s not going to fly against a physical Memphis squad, either. “Securing those possessions matters,” he added. “You don’t want to lose sleep over it, but you want to make sure you address it.”
Packing Lessons from Past Play-Ins by Steph
Steph’s Play-In history? Individually amazing. Team-wise? Brutal. He’s averaging 38 points, shooting 52.2% from deep, and doing everything short of playing all five positions at once. And yet, he’s 0–2 in Play-In games.
When asked about what he’s learned from the whole experience, he cracked a joke about Jimmy Butler’s approach—how the Heat star packed for two months before even playing in the Play-In. That level of preparation? Chef’s kiss. “We would love to have that opportunity,” Steph said, with a grin and a bit of pain underneath. “We haven’t had a good outcome on it… just win.”
It’s giving laser focus with a side of trauma.
It’s simple. Beat the Grizzlies, and the Warriors get the No. 7 seed and a date with the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets in the first round. Lose? They’re not out yet, but they’ll have to take on the winner of the Kings vs. Mavericks for the eighth and final playoff spot.
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reads the stat sheet while talking to media members after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
No pressure, right?
With a 48–34 record and Steph still dropping 36 points like it’s nothing (see: that Clippers game), the Warriors have the firepower. But Steph’s making sure everyone in that locker room knows—it’s not about talent. It’s about the “want to.” You gotta go get it. That’s the mantra now.
Stephen Curry’s haunted by that Play-In heartbreak—and it’s fueling him. LeBron’s shot? Burned into his memory. Ja’s buckets? Still stings. That casual rebound against Ben Simmons? Not happening again.
If the Warriors are going to make noise this postseason, it starts with Memphis—and it starts with a hungry, focused Steph, yelling “take what’s yours” from the front of the huddle.
Tuesday night? It’s personal. And Stephen Curry is not coming to play around.
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