The Golden State Warriors saw their season come to a sudden end in the NBA play-in tournament, but Stephen Curry made sure one moment stood out beyond the loss — a message to rising star Jalen Green after the final buzzer.
Green powered the Phoenix Suns to a 111-96 win with a dominant 36-point performance, knocking out Golden State and advancing Phoenix to a first-round series against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Afterward, Curry sought out Green and delivered a message that reflected both respect and a long-standing connection.
“Yeah, he was just telling me go handle business in OKC,” Green said. “Coming from Steph, it means a lot… just to hear him say, ‘Go kill and handle business.’”
Steph Curry’s Message to Jalen Green Stands Out After Loss
In a season-ending defeat, Curry’s postgame interaction underscored his reputation as both a competitor and mentor. Despite the disappointment, the four-time NBA champion took time to acknowledge Green’s performance and encourage him moving forward.
For Green, the words carried extra weight.
“Just to chop it up with him and hear from him at the end of the day,” Green said. “It means a lot.”
The exchange highlighted a relationship that stretches back years — one that has helped shape Green’s development into one of the league’s emerging scorers.
Warriors Fall Short Despite Late Push
Golden State’s loss marked a frustrating finish after showing flashes of resilience during the game. The Warriors trimmed a double-digit deficit to just two points late in the second quarter, briefly threatening to shift momentum.
But Phoenix responded, and Golden State could not recover.
Curry finished with 17 points on 4-for-16 shooting, including 3-for-10 from beyond the arc, and was held scoreless in the third quarter as the Suns pulled away.
Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 23 points and 10 rebounds, providing a bright spot in an otherwise difficult night.
The defeat also comes at a pivotal time for head coach Steve Kerr, who is entering the final year of his contract as questions about the team’s direction begin to surface.
Full-Circle Moment Between Curry and Green
While the loss ends Golden State’s playoff hopes, Curry’s interaction with Green offered a glimpse into the league’s evolving landscape.
Green, a California native born in Merced and raised in Fresno, grew up watching Curry’s rise with the Warriors. As a teenager, he trained with Curry in Oakland — a relationship that evolved into mentorship over the years.
“So he’s kind of been somewhat of a mentor,” Green said. “Playing against him is always great… one of the greatest players of all time.”
That history made Friday’s outcome especially meaningful, as Green not only eliminated the Warriors but also received encouragement from the player he once looked up to.
What’s Next for the Warriors After Play-In Exit
Golden State now enters an offseason filled with uncertainty after missing the playoffs. With Curry still performing at a high level but the roster facing questions, the franchise must evaluate its next steps.
Meanwhile, Green and the Suns move on to face reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder in the first round.
For Curry, the focus shifts to what comes next. But even in defeat, his message to Green showed that his impact extends beyond wins and losses — shaping the next generation as the Warriors’ season comes to a close.
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