On April 14, the regular season wrapped with fireworks—and heartbreak—for Golden State. In a nail-biting overtime showdown, the Clippers edged out the Warriors 124-119, locking up the No. 5 seed in the West. That win didn’t just boost LA—it pushed Stephen Curry and the Warriors down to No. 7. Now, instead of cruising into the playoffs, Golden State’s heading to the play-in. Their next stop? A do-or-die clash at home against the No. 8 seeded Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.
And what happened on Tuesday? Steph didn’t have to carry the entire load this time—because Playoff Jimmy was in full beast mode. Butler lit it up with 38 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, showing up exactly when the lights were the brightest. And honestly, it felt like the Grizzlies had no answer for him.
But let’s not pretend Curry wasn’t cooking too. He put up 37 points of his own, and when the clock got tight, he did what he always does—took over.
After surviving a tense 121-116 battle against the Grizzlies, The 2x MVP didn’t hold back in expressing just how draining the Play-In Tournament has been—not just physically, but emotionally. With the Warriors officially securing the No. 7 seed, the two-time MVP addressed the mental toll the new postseason format, introduced under Adam Silver’s leadership, has taken on the team.
Feb 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) is congratulated by guard Stephen Curry (30) after a basket against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
“There’s four 48-minute games—like, we’ve had enough emotional roller coaster rides,” Curry said postgame, clearly feeling the weight of back-to-back high-stakes matchups. “The last two games, one didn’t go our way, one did. So just a matter of sticking with it, trying to make plays down the stretch, defensively keying in on certain guys.”
The Play-In format—designed to add more excitement and competitiveness to the final stretch of the season—has delivered exactly that, but not without consequences. For the 4x Champion and the Warriors, the tension of fighting for a spot has been all too real.
“But like you said, Play-In, ‘cause—it’s why it’s here. It’s why the league created it, ‘cause it’s a lot of drama,” Curry added with a wry smile. “And it’s nice to know what it feels like to win one. We are one and three now.”.
While Stephen Curry opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of the Play-In grind, Butler made it crystal clear what the entire locker room is gunning for.
After the win over Memphis, Butler spoke from the heart about what it means to play “meaningful basketball” again and what’s really driving this squad: getting Curry his fifth ring and finally claiming his first.
“It feels great. I want everybody to be happy for sure. Steph—he deserves it. What he’s done for, h—, the game of basketball. Not only this city and this organization,” Butler said, speaking with the kind of fire you’d expect from a guy chasing legacy. “He’s in it for the long haul. He wants to win. He wants to win every single game, every single possession.”
For Butler, the mission is personal too. “I want to win a championship, so he needs his—what this will be, number five for him?—so he needs one more,” he added with conviction. That’s the demand echoing through the Warriors locker room right now: one more for Steph, one for Jimmy.
When asked if he could feel that urgency from Curry, Butler didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, every game. For me, though, he’s always… It’s like I always say, you’re never really out of any game when you have him on your team,” he said. “If you have a lead of five, he can easily take your lead to 15 to 17, maybe even 20—all by himself.”
The 11x All-Star did showcase this ability against the Grizzlies as well. A baseline three with 1:50 left? Cold. The deep one from the wing with a minute to go? Pure Steph. Then, just to wrap it up with a bow, he knocked down four straight free throws in the final five seconds. And with that kind of belief and drive fueling Golden State, the message is clear: they’re not just playing to make the playoffs. They’re playing for rings.
And while Steph was busy pulling off his usual magic, there was another name quietly flipping the script—Gary Payton II.
Gary Payton II’s presence is important for Stephen Curry to operate
Three years back, Dillon Brooks sent Gary Payton II crashing to the floor mid-air, fracturing his elbow and ticking off Steve Kerr. “Broke the code,” the Warriors coach said. But Tuesday night? GP2 didn’t need revenge. He got even the best way possible—by hooping. And guess who’s waiting in the first round? Yep, Brooks again, this time rocking Rockets red.
Forget the spotlight on Steph (37) and Jimmy (38). Payton quietly stole the show in his own gritty way. Off the bench, he gave the Dubs 20 fire-packed minutes—flying for dunks, knocking down two threes, and strapping up Ja Morant. He finished with 12 points, a rebound, an assist, a steal, and a block. All heart, no fluff.
Jan 18, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, guard Gary Payton II (0), guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Lindy Waters III (43) during a timeout against the Washington Wizards during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
The guy doesn’t fit a typical mold. Kerr nailed it—he plays offense like a 6’7″ bruiser, but defends like a floor general. Second-year guard Brandin Podziemski said it best: “Everything Steph doesn’t do well, Gary does well.”
Payton put it simply: “Steph can’t screen for himself. I know how to get him open. I sacrifice my body… I’ve copied Draymond’s playbook.”
And now, he’s likely locking in on Jalen Green. But don’t be shocked if he drains a wide-open three or skies for another reverse jam. GP2’s not chasing headlines. He’s doing the dirty work while Steph cooks.
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