The 2026 NBA playoffs are set. All first-round matchups are locked in after a dramatic Play-In Tournament, and, now, the hunt for the Larry O’Brien Trophy ramps up off Saturday, April 18 with four series-opening games.
The Play-In Tournament delivered plenty of excitemetn before a single first-round playoff game was played. The Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers locked up the No. 7 seeds in the West and East, respectively, earlier in the week before a doubleheader on Friday, April 17 determined the final two playoff berths in each conference.
The Orlando Magic knocked out the Charlotte Hornets early Friday night, building a 31-point halftime lead on their Southeast division rivals before cruising to a 121-90 victory. The Magic land the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and will face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round.
The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors seemed headed for a tight battle for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference, but the Suns pulled away down the stretch for a 111-96 win to send Steph Curry and the Warroirs packing. The Suns' prize for winning? A date with the No. 1 seed, defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
With the bracket now finalized, its' time to ask: could the Magic and Suns shock the world and knock out the No. 1 seeds? Here is a look at some of the biggest first-round upsets in NBA playoff history, a reminder that anything can happen in the postseason.
The first time a No. 8 seed eliminated a No. 1 seed in NBA playoff history. The SuperSonics had an impressive 63-19 regular-season record, but the Nuggets overcame a 2-0 series deficit to complete the stunning five-game upset.
1999: New York Knicks (8) def. Miami Heat (1)
The Knicks became the first No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals. After upsetting the top-seeded Heat in the first round in Game 5, New York rolled through the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the Finals.
2007: Golden State Warriors (8) def. Dallas Mavericks (1)
The Warriors faced a Mavericks squad that had won a league-best 67 games during the regular season, which tied for the seventh-best regular-season record of all time. The Warriors sent the Mavericks packing in six games, with three of Golden State’s four wins coming by double digits.
2011: Memphis Grizzlies (8) def. San Antonio Spurs (1)
The Grizzlies claimed their first playoff series win in franchise history by upsetting the 61-win Spurs, with five of the six games decided by single digits. The Grizzlies advanced to the Western Conference semifinals but ultimately lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 4-3.
2012: Philadelphia 76ers (8) def. Chicago Bulls (1)
Back in 2012, the Bulls secured the top seed after tying for the league's best record, and it seemed like they were destined for a deep run. However, everything shifted dramatically in the final minute of Game 1 when star guard Derrick Rose tore his ACL, giving the Sixers a huge boost. Philadelphia went on to take the series in six games, but its playoff run came to an end in the second round against the Boston Celtics.
2023: Miami Heat (8) def. Milwaukee Bucks (1)
The Heat, a Play-In Tournament team that entered as the No. 8 seed, dismantled the 58-win Bucks in five games behind one of the greatest individual series performances in playoff history from Jimmy Butler. The Heat also became the first play-in team ever to win a first-round series, and went on to reach the NBA Finals before falling to the Denver Nuggets.
Mar 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) defends Philadelphia 76ers forward Trendon Watford (12) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Of the last 20 games of Boston’s regular season, 13 featured a starting lineup of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta.
Despite Tatum’s late entry into the lineup, that 5-man combo is third in total minutes together this year, sporting a +7 net scoring advantage (per 100 possessions). It’s a lineup that figures to transition over into Boston’s first round series with the Philadelphia 76ers, which tips off Sunday afternoon and is the fourth postseason meeting between the two in the Jays era.
We have a good read on who’s starting these games, but figuring out the overall rotation is a different story. All season, we’ve seen experimentation that’s led to a good problem: the Celtics have an abnormal amount of playoff-caliber talent waiting in the wings.
In last year’s 11 postseason games, the Celtics had nine players average more than 10 minutes. The year prior, the title run featured the same: nine players. It was one player less in the 2022-23 postseason, with Grant Williams having the lowest of the eight rotation guys with 17.7 minutes per game.
With the margin of error so thin, there’s no time to waste when it comes to playoff minutes. If struggles extend beyond a game, the hook is coming, and the chance to check back in may not be there waiting for you.
In this regular season, Boston had 16 players average minutes in double figures. Three of those guys are no longer Celtics and another (Dalano Banton) had a four-game sample size, but when you take a step back, you see that the Celtics, really, have 12 players on this roster that are capable of leaving a positive impact in a postseason series, however big or small that impact ultimately is.
I guess it’s fortunate that we don’t have to make the decision of who gets those bench opportunities or who rides the pine, but let’s assume each of their primary bench players had that opportunity. What would they do with it? What role or objective allows them to impact the game the greatest against the 76ers? Let’s take a crack at it, and find out.
For the sake of time and grounded rotational possibilities, we’ll leave the deep bench guys (Amari Williams, Max Shulga, John Tonje, Delano Banton) out of this exercise. If you have to resort to playing one of three second round rookies or a guy just signed to a contract right before the end of the season, chances are the season’s probably going down sooner rather than later.
Payton Pritchard
A glorified starter and a shoe-in for major usage, there’s not much mystery of the role Payton Pritchard will have against Philly, and beyond.
Since his move back to the Sixth Man spot, Pritchard has averaged roughly the same amount of minutes, shot attempts, points per game and assists as his overall season averages, finishing with 17 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds in 29 games that began as the first player off the bench.
In four games against Philly, PP actually struggled in the scoring department. He was a combined 13-of-31 in the first two games in October, getting the last two looks in their close season-opening loss, and 2-of-13 in their last two games. From three, he shot just 12% for the series.
Not exactly numbers you’d expect from Pritchard, and strangely enough, this is a matchup that particularly favors his scoring style. The 76ers boast a middle of the road defense (16th in defensive rating) and lineups that often feature two traditional guards. All four of their most-used 5-man lineups feature both Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
For Pritchard, that means opportunities in the mid-range.
At 42% in the mid-range and 56% in the non-restricted area this year, Pritchard has been one of the league’s finest shot-creators inside and around the free throw line, utilizing his powerful build to initiate contact in order to create space.
According to data from Basketball Index, he’s in the 100th percentile in mid-range openness rating, the 98th percentile in stable short mid-range field goal efficiency, and the 97th percentile in mid-range pull up shot-making efficiency.
Boston will be searching for plenty of 2-on-1 advantages to set up rotations and open looks from deep, but Pritchard could really use this series to pack a serious punch in the heart of Philadelphia’s defense.
Nikola Vučević
Vooch or the Garzilla? That is the question on everybody’s minds.
With Vučević sidelined mere moments after sharing the court with Jayson Tatum, his return has been the subject of scrutiny. Particularly in his first two games back in the lineup, Vooch just looked like a player out of sync with his new teammates. Understandable, considering he’s played just 16 games with the Celtics, but with limited time to find a groove before the playoffs, it’s impossible not to look at the constant energy and spark that Garza consistently provides.
This is probably the toughest decision Joe Mazzulla has to make rotation-wise, and with a likely Embiid-less Philly now locked in as the matchup, the answer could really go either way.
By route of Vučević, I believe it comes down to matchups. The smaller Adem Bona makes more sense for Garza, and the rebound-engulfing Andre Drummond makes more sense for Vooch.
With Drummond, Vooch can not only match up better on the defensive glass, but his passing and shooting from above the break would effectively pull Drummond out of the paint, or risk leaving open a shooter with an eye for finding cutters.
Perhaps it’s a worthwhile gamble with Vooch shooting 31% from three in his four games back. He also ended 5-of-9 in his last two games though. The Sixers would likely be willing to take that gamble, if at least for a game or two.
While Garza has made massive strides as a shooter, Vooch remains the closest thing Boston has to the pick-and-pop threat that breaks down zones and crushes soft switches. If he can find consistency in his outside game, it opens up a similar offensive wrinkle left behind by the departures of Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
A huge question will be how Boston can help, or even hide, Vooch when it comes to defending the pick-and-roll. Vooch plays one of the deepest drops in the league, and with someone like Maxey getting downhill, that doesn’t bode well for Boston. There’s a lot at play for the backup big minutes when Queta’s off the floor.
Ready or not, Vooch will more than likely get the first shot behind Queta, and flashes of his rebounding, pick-and-pop shooting, and ball movement will go a long way in cementing him as an every game contributor this postseason.
Luka Garza
While we’re on the topic of the backup big, Boston couldn’t have lucked out more with the signing of Luka Garza last summer. He’s been a consummate professional, an outstanding offensive rebounder and screener (98th percentile in offensive rebounding talent, 99th percentile in screening talent), and an efficient 3-point shooter (43%) on respectable volume.
I don’t think there’s any doubt that if Garza stepped foot on the floor in a playoff setting, he’d find a way to add extra possessions and open things up for others. Similar to Vooch, the problem lies in how he holds up defensively. While a fine mobile big that moves well in space, Garza does not scare drivers attacking the basket in the way someone like Queta, or even Tatum might. Mismatch hunting is all the rage in a Best-of-7 series, and like Vooch, I’d expect the Sixers to actively seek out Garza as much as possible.
With the Bona matchup, you’re pitting two mobile bigs against each other, but Garza has the leg up as a rebounder and as a scorer, with his 3-point shot legit enough to force Bona in space. If there’s anything we can take away from either Vooch or Garza, it’s that both have the ability to shoot away from the basket or open up sets with a handoff.
While Vooch would be better equipped to be surrounded by cutters and screen-navigators like Derrick White, Hugo Gonzalez and Jordan Walsh to make use of his hub playmaking and drop coverage defensive style, I like the idea of Garza working with the stars, particularly Tatum. With JT, Boston’s better equipped to defend the paint, while giving him and Brown that patented flair screen, floor-switching ability that Queta and Garza have both thrived in thanks to their elite screen-setting.
Different contexts create different reasons to go with either big man off the bench. With Philly, there’s a good chance both will see an opportunity.
Jordan Walsh
I wrote about it back in November, and I’m sure you’ll see more of it this weekend, but to be succinct: Jordan Walsh has the makings of a Maxey stopper.
Walsh probably would have found a role in the rotation even with Orlando “winning” the 7-seed (hey, Walsh has locked up Paolo Banchero too!) but this matchup between All-Star and breakout role player feels destined.
To be clear, Walsh can do more for this team than stay glued to their best scorer. He’d get minutes because he’s a good shooter despite a fluctuating role (38%, 1.8 attempts per game), and a fantastic rebounder and putback threat.
But for this series in particular, having someone off the bench that held Philly’s top scorer to 1-of-10 shooting between two games and 7:10 matchup minutes is a luxury I fully expect Mazzulla to utilize. Walsh has the length to disrupt around screens and the recovery speed to stay in front, while being a menacing contest threat thanks to his 7’3” wingspan.
There’s a clear path to significant minutes for Walsh, and a lot of it has to do with making life hell for Philly’s best scorer.
Baylor Scheierman
After a 3-minute appearance in the Halloween victory over the 76ers, Baylor Scheierman didn’t play Philly again until their very last meeting, one that started with a thumbs up and ended in a Celtics victory.
Scheierman has firmly cemented himself as a key rotation player this year, turning the corner after some tough shooting in the Summer League and preseason to end Year 2 with splits of 45/40/90.
What’s keeping Scheierman on the floor is more than his shooting though. He’s been a true jack of all trades, defending and rebounding at a high level while adding a connective tissue to the offense thanks to his ability to create off the dribble and open up the drive-and-kick game.
As far as the ideal lineups featuring Scheierman, it’s likely the one we’re most familiar with.
Among all 5-man lineup combos featuring Scheierman, the one that more than doubles every other combination in minutes on the floor includes White, Brown, Hauser and Queta. That lineup, which started seven games, was a +10.8 in scoring, featuring a balanced attack of top-option JB surrounded by three shooting options, two of which like to create off the dribble, and a rim-running big.
For the non-Tatum minutes, this appears to be one of the better options to maintain a balanced offense. Adding in a wrinkle like Pritchard for White would also be an option that maintains scoring balance and ample ball movement (that lineup with Pritchard in for White played just 34 minutes together, but was a +40.3 in that time).
Because Scheierman can do so many things well, it makes him a one-size-fits-all type of rotation piece that can work in a variety of different settings.
Hugo González
With their wing depth as strong as it is, a path to minutes appears murky for the sensational Spaniard, but Hugo Gonzalez wouldn’t need all that much time to make a difference.
Similar to Scheierman and Walsh, Hugo’s ability to contribute as a rebounder, cutter and defender makes him the rare 20-year-old that’s built for the bigger moments. Compound that with respectable 3-point shooting and you’d feel confident that, if left open, he can at least threaten to punish the Sixers for the lack of respect.
I think the ideal scenario for Hugo to see time is in the moments where the momentum needs to shift.
Offense bogged down by contested misses and turnovers? Defense struggling to stop the pick-and-roll? Momentum timeouts aren’t stopping the bleeding?
May I suggest the controlled chaos that is Hugo Gonzalez?
Even if for just a few minutes, I think Gonzalez injects the right level of high-effort defense to rally around and throw out there for short spurts. That way, Philly doesn’t get as much of an opportunity to dare the rookie to beat them as a shooter in the same way you’d see if he played a more substantial game-to-game role.
There’s going to be a time very soon where Hugo will be very high on the playoff pecking order, but that time shouldn’t have to be today. Although if we’re being honest, he’s much closer than I think anyone could have expected on draft day.
Ron Harper Jr.
While it’s unlikely Ron Harper Jr. sees the floor this postseason, I’d honestly feel confident in his abilities if he did.
And a lot of that has to do with his first impression: a debut start focused heavily on defending Kevin Durant. RHJ showcased his strength as a defender, his instincts as a rebounder, and his catch-and-shoot ability (I feel like I’ve been saying that with every wing, but it remains true all the same).
If there were to be an opportunity for Harper, I’d consider it a look focused on the 3&D mold of his game. The threes would largely come off the catch, adding additional spacing while guys like Brown or Tatum ignite the drive-and-kick, while the D would be spent on another tough assignment: Paul George.
Is that a gamble? Or too much for Harper in his first playoff appearance? Possibly. But then again, wasn’t that also the case with KD in his debut?
It’s not like we’re dealing with the Paul George of old, though he’s certainly had a quietly solid season as he transitions into life as an overpaid, high-end role player.
If that’s the path to opportunity, I don’t think we’d be hearing any complaints from Ron.
"I don't know what's going to happen next but I love you guys to death, and I thank you. I appreciate you."
That was a mic's up Warriors coach Steve Kerr, talking to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green just before the end of the Warriors’ season, at the hands of the Phoenix Suns in the play-in. With the end of the season, Kerr's contract to coach the Warriors has come to an end. The sides did not agree to an extension before the season, and while there is no animosity, there also is no certainty about what is next.
Kerr was asked about his future postgame, and he said he wanted to step back for a while, first.
"The plan is to take a little time, I don't know, take a week or two, and eventually sit down and talk with Joe [Lacob, the co-owner] and Mike [Dunleavy, head of basketball operations]. We've always had a great partnership and collaboration, and just see where they are, and I'll tell them where I am, and we'll talk about what's next for the Warriors, what the plan is this offseason, and we will come to a collaborative decision on what's next.
"I don't know what's going to happen. I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date. There's a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it's time for new blood and new ideas and all that. And if that's the case, then I will be just nothing but grateful for the most amazing opportunity any person could have to coach this franchise front of our fans in the bay, and to coach Steph Curry and coach Dray and the whole group.
"So it might still go on. It may not, I don't know, at this point, but we all need to step away a little bit, and then reconvene."
Kerr was clear about one thing: He's not jumping to another team.
"I'm definitely not going and coaching somewhere else next year in the NBA," Kerr said.
He also said, "I don't want to walk away from Steph." There has been some speculation around the league that he and the Warriors would part ways — or he would be bumped up to a front office role and not be on the bench — but nobody really knows.
And while Friday night kind of felt like the end of an era for Kerr and these Warriors, things may feel different in a week or two when Kerr sits down with Lacbob and Dunleavy. For now, he just wants a little time away.
PHOENIX (AP) — Jalen Green was several feet behind the 3-point line as the shot clock wound down and didn’t have many options, so the Phoenix guard simply squared up and let if fly.
In most cases, the third-quarter heave wouldn’t have been a high-percentage shot.
On Friday night, pretty much everyone knew it was going in.
“It felt good all night,” Green said.
The 24-year-old Green scored 36 points to lead Phoenix to a 111-96 victory over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA’s play-in tournament. The Suns earned the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and they’ll face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a road game Sunday in Game 1 of the first round.
Green shot 14 of 20 from the field against the Warriors, including 8 of 14 from 3-point range. The eight 3-pointers tied his career high.
“I thought he was incredibly efficient offensively,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. “It’s really hard to stay in front of him.”
It was a big moment for Green, who endured plenty of frustration during an injury-filled year that limited him to just 32 games in the regular season. Green and Dillon Brooks came to the Suns from the Rockets as part of the package that sent 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to Houston.
Jalen Green, who scored a game-high 36 points, celebrates after slamming home a dunk during the first half of the Suns’ 111-96 win over the Warriors on April 17, 2026 in an NBA play-in game in Phoenix. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Green missed the first half of the season with a hamstring injury and then finally returned, sometimes struggling to adjust to his new role playing with Booker and Brooks. He averaged just 17.8 points, the lowest total since his rookie season.
But the trio appears to be jelling at the right time. Booker had the assist on four of Green’s 3-pointers on Friday.
“I’m very comfortable playing with Book,” Green said. “You kind of how to pick your poison, how you’re going to guard it.”
Stephen Curry, who was held to 17 points, reacts during the Warriors’ loss to the Suns in an NBA play-in game on April 18, 2026. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The game was a little vindication for Green after he struggled against the Warriors in last year’s playoffs when he was with the Rockets. He averaged just 13.3 points in the seven-game series, shooting 37% from the field.
Green was so good on Friday that Booker — a five-time All-Star — was more of a facilitator, finishing with 20 points and eight assists.
“He stepped up to the test,” Booker said. “The last playoffs might have stuck with him a little bit, so he’s prepared himself for these moments and capitalized on them.”
Ott said Green’s elite athleticism will be invaluable against Oklahoma City because of his ability to generate shots when it doesn’t look like there is one. Green’s 36 points came three nights after he scored 35 against the Trail Blazers in the first play-in game, which ended in a 114-110 loss.
“Both of these nights, he had it going offensively,” Ott said. “Those guys in playoff games, where the physicality ups, the court shrinks, the ability to give the ball to one guy and him create a shot is super helpful. We’re finding those pockets.”
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is seen after his NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., Friday, April 17, 2026. The Suns defeated the Warriors 111-96. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Well, the season is over. After teasing us with a throwback performance for the ages on Wednesday, the Golden State Warriors completely and utterly ran out of fuel on Friday, losing to the Phoenix Suns 111-96 in a game that was a constant uphill battle.
And with that, the offseason begins. But not before we get to one final bit of in-season content: the last player grades of the year.
As always, grades are based on my expectations of each player, with a “B” grade representing the average performance for that player. If my grades seem overly lenient, well … that’s probably because they are. Grading the elimination game in a season feels a bit like handing out a grade for a boring requirement course to a senior that’s graduating in three days. Grading harshly is kind of missing the point. So we’ll be a little nice to everyone, because why dwell on the parts that need improvement when there’s no season left to improve?
Note: True-shooting percentage (TS) is a scoring efficiency metric that accounts for threes and free throws. League-average TS this season was 58.1%.
Santos looked pretty overmatched in this game. There were a lot of poor decisions, and times where he was either doing too much or doing too little. I said this in Wednesday’s grades, but it’s easy to forget just how inexperienced he still is. This is all part of the learning process, and the mental fortitude he has to maintain his energy levels even when making mistakes is admirable. This was a great season for him, it just ended on a low note.
Green provided the biggest highlight of the game for the Warriors. Unfortunately, it’s a sign of how the game went, that the highlight came during a dead ball situation, with outcome already decided.
After Green left the game in the final minutes as Steve Kerr waived the white flag, he started jawing with Devin Booker from the bench. Somewhere, Klay Thompson was surely smiling. After the teams started tussling a little bit, Scott Foster — the butt of many an NBA joke — tried to calm the waters by ejecting both Green and Booker. Ever the entertainer, Green mocked Foster by doing an over-the-top reenactment of Foster’s ejection, before walking off the court smiling, egging the crowd on.
Porziņģis was listed as questionable up until the game started, and it was immediately clear that if it were a regular season game, he wouldn’t have been playing. He simply was not healthy, but he toughed it out to give the team some minutes.
It was a gutsy performance, and it featured a few highlight plays on offense. But he just didn’t have it, and all you can do is tip your cap that he left it on the floor.
Grade: A for toughness Post-game bonus: Worst plus/minus on the team.
It was fitting that Podziemski, who finished the season having played all 84 games, ended the year by leading the team in minutes in the elimination game. It was just that season for him.
Podz started slow, but ended the game as one of the only bright spots on the floor for the Warriors. No one else could get anything going on offense, yet he continued to get buckets. He fought all night, and led both teams in rebounding. Tough until the very end. The Warriors needed some people to step up, and Podziemski did (he also should have had 25 points and only three turnovers, but got called for an erroneous traveling violation on a layup).
Grade: A Post-game bonus: Led the team in points and rebounds.
Curry went over his minutes restriction on Wednesday, and carried the team. And he paid for it on Friday.
Credit the Suns for a great defensive plan and strong defensive execution. But this one was first and foremost about Curry running out of gas, as the Warriors ran out of gas. It was so clear that Steph wasn’t healthy in this game. He wasn’t moving as quickly or confidently as usual, and he abandoned so much of the off-ball movement that makes him so dangerous. He even was limping on a few possessions.
Again: credit to the Suns. Not trying to take anything away from them. But that wasn’t the Curry we know and love. That was a Curry who played through being 50% to give his team a chance to win.
Payton had some tremendous passes in this game, and helped right the ship on a few occasions. He also had a lot of fouls. It was nothing special, but a pretty solid game for him.
As was the case so many times over the past few months, Curry wasn’t healthy and the Warriors needed a lot from Melton to make up for it. And he provided it. Melton kept the Warriors afloat with a monster game off the bench, scoring all over the court, directing the offense, and fighting like hell on defense and the glass. He gave everything he had to give, and the Warriors sure will miss him if he’s playing elsewhere next season.
Horford couldn’t quite find the magic that he harnessed on Wednesday. But his, too, was a gutsy performance, as he played 26 minutes due to Porziņģis’ ailment. If Horford were being honest, I’m guessing he’d say that he’s not fully healthy, either. It was just that season. But he gave it everything he had, despite the circumstances. If he’s one-and-done with the Warriors, then we’ll always have Wednesday. But don’t be surprised if he’s back next year.
A great season comes to a close with just a glimpse of garbage time for Spencer. He proved he’s an NBA player this year, and that’s exciting.
Post-game bonus: Tied for the best plus/minus on the team.
Charles Bassey/Will Richard/Seth Curry
1 minute, 0 points, +2
Just a touch of garbage time with no stats for this trio.
Post-game bonus: Tied for the best plus/minus on the team.
The trio
It was a touching moment, late in the game, when Green, Curry, and Kerr huddled in plain sight. With all their arms around each other, Kerr spoke words to each, then brought them in for a three-way hug, before exiting and letting the two Hall of Famers embrace.
Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr share a moment after their 14th season together ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ivu63E5VL2
The following days, weeks, and perhaps even months will result in a lot of speculation, rumors, reports, and opinions, as we have no idea what the future holds. Kerr said after the game that he’ll take “a week or two” to think about his future, but stressed that he still loves coaching. Green said he wants to continue his career with the Warriors. Curry stressed that he has a few more seasons left in him.
Hopefully we get a 13th year with this trio. But if not, it’s been an unforgettable journey.
Grade: A+
Friday’s inactives: Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody, Quinten Post
Philadelphia 76ers (45-37, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (56-26, second in the Eastern Conference)
Boston; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT
LINE: Celtics -12.5; over/under is 213.5
EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Celtics host first series matchup
BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers to start the Eastern Conference first round. Boston and Philadelphia tied the regular season series 2-2. The Celtics won the last regular season matchup 114-98 on Monday, March 2 led by 27 points from Jaylen Brown, while Tyrese Maxey scored 33 points for the 76ers.
The Celtics are 10-6 against the rest of their division. Boston leads the Eastern Conference in rebounding, averaging 46.4 boards. Nikola Vucevic leads the Celtics with 8.4 rebounds.
The 76ers are 9-7 against the rest of their division. Philadelphia ranks ninth in the NBA scoring 16.9 fast break points per game. VJ Edgecombe leads the 76ers averaging 8.0.
The Celtics average 114.9 points per game, 1.2 fewer points than the 116.1 the 76ers allow. The 76ers are shooting 46.2% from the field, 2.0% higher than the 44.2% the Celtics' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brown is scoring 28.7 points per game with 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard is averaging 18.3 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 53.1% over the last 10 games.
Quentin Grimes is shooting 45.0% and averaging 13.4 points for the 76ers. Paul George is averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 8-2, averaging 119.6 points, 45.6 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 6.3 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.4 points per game.
76ers: 6-4, averaging 118.0 points, 45.3 rebounds, 24.3 assists, 8.6 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.8 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Nikola Vucevic: day to day (finger), Sam Hauser: day to day (back), Hugo Gonzalez: day to day (foot), Payton Pritchard: day to day (foot), Jayson Tatum: day to day (injury management), Derrick White: day to day (knee), Neemias Queta: day to day (toe), Jaylen Brown: day to day (achilles).
76ers: Johni Broome: out (knee), Joel Embiid: out (abdomen).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
After finishing the regular season with a 37-45 overall record and getting bounced in the postseason's qualifying round, the Warriors enter the offseason with a number of questions that need to be answered.
With franchise cornerstone Stephen Curry in the twilight of his career, the Warriors should look to improve their team to maintain a competitive nature in the latter part of his NBA tenure.
Here's what they need to consider this summer now that their offseason has commenced:
Questions about contracts
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had an embrace with Curry and Draymond Green as the elimination play-in game against the Suns started to wind down. It was an emotional moment because it could be the final embrace those three have as coach and players as Kerr's contract expires this summer.
According to audio captured by Prime Video, Kerr told Green and Curry, "I don't know what's going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you."
Kerr was named Warriors head coach in 2014 and has coached the franchise to four championships. As questions loom about his future, Kerr is forever stamped in the Bay Area as the coach of a dynasty. But he told reporters that he doesn't know what his future holds, and understands that when dynasties come to an end changes are made, especially regarding who is at the helm.
"I don't know what's going to happen. I still love coaching. But I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date," Kerr said.
Steve Kerr on his future with the Warriors:
"My plan is to take a week or two, sit down with Joe [Lacob] and Mike [Dunleavy Jr.] ... We will come to a collaborative decision on what's next.
"I don't know what's going to happen. I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs… pic.twitter.com/qVtME8tWtj
Curry said he wants his longtime coach to "be happy."
"I want him to be excited about the job. I want him to believe he's the right guy for the job. I want him to have an opportunity to, again, enjoy what he does. Whatever that means for him," Curry said. "Everybody's plan is their own.
"I'm not going to try and tell anybody what to do. He knows how I feel about him. Shouldn't even need to be said. However it goes, you're thankful for what we've been able to accomplish over this run. Thankful for an opportunity to hopefully put it together, do something again next year.
"I just want coach to be able to look at the situation as a whole and feel like he's the right guy."
The team also has to decide whether to exercise a team option on Brandin Podziemski, while Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton have more leverage with player options.
Kristaps Porzingis, who was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in a trade, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has made indications that he wants to be back in the Bay, and reports have said the Warriors are interested, as well.
Other expiring contracts include Gary Payton II, Quinten Post, Seth Curry and Pat Spencer.
An area to watch for are players signed through 2027. Current contracts on the Warriors expected to expire after next season include Curry, Green (he holds a player option) and Butler.
Curry said he wants to play several more years and would be interested in an extension but hasn't had those conversations with the Warriors.
"(Will) be a busy summer for the Warriors," Curry said.
Which free agents do the Warriors sign, seek out?
With the understanding that next season could be the final hurrah as Curry and Green have expiring contracts, the Warriors' brass of Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr. will have to put something together to make themselves a contender again, especially in the twilight of Curry's career.
Golden State pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo during the regular season near the trade deadline, so maybe the Warriors renew conversations with Milwaukee.
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has had his name swirl around the rumor mill following their loss to Golden State, being eliminated from the NBA Play-In Tournament. With the Aspiration still looming in the background, maybe Golden State pounces on the opportunity to swindle the Clips.
Per ESPN's Anthony Slater, the Warriors currently have the 11th spot in the lottery with a 9.4% chance of getting a top-four pick.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Head coach Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors hug during the final moments of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 111-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors’ tumultuous season — plagued by season-ending injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody and a 27-game absence from their franchise superstar due to a persistent runner’s knee issue — has come to an ultimate end tonight against the Phoenix Suns.
Steph Curry could not muster enough energy to carry the Warriors anew, with his runner’s knee issue flaring up tonight. That spelled doom for the Warriors, who go into an offseason with uncertainty and questions abound.
One of those questions: What will be the fate of head coach Steve Kerr, who has played out the last year of his contract?
As of this writing, Kerr and the Warriors’ front office hasn’t had an agreement to renew his tenure that has lasted for 12 seasons, producing eight playoff berths, six Finals appearances and four NBA Championships.
When asked about his future, Kerr was noncommittal about providing a definite answer.
Steve Kerr said he will take a week or two to think about his future and discuss it with Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy.
He acknowledged there is an “expiration date” on the job and it’s possible new blood is needed. Said he may return or may not. Doesn’t know yet.
If Kerr does decide to call it a day, it will be a coaching career unmatched by any save for a select and hallowed few. Brought in to instill an offense that did not live up to its potential under Mark Jackson, he helped transform a perennial All-Star in Curry into a bona fide MVP talent and all-time great, empowered a second-round draft pick toward becoming an all-time defender, and maximized the potential of his rosters, all while sticking to what worked defensively under Jackson’s tenure.
Should Kerr decide to return, it wouldn’t be farfetched to assume it would be a one-year deal, which would put him on the same timeline as Curry, who only has one year left on his current deal. Kerr stated that he would not leave the Warriors in order to coach another team that did not have Curry on it.
Steve Kerr: “I don’t want to walk away from Steph. I’m definitely not going and coaching somewhere else next year in the NBA. … I would never walk away from Steph.”
PHOENIX (AP) — Golden State coach Steve Kerr is contemplating his future, the four-time NBA champion coach suggesting after the Warriors' season ended Friday night that there is a chance he might not be back with the club next season.
“It might still go on. It may not,” Kerr said after the Warriors lost in Phoenix and were eliminated from the play-in tournament, marking the fourth time in the last seven seasons that Golden State has missed the playoffs.
He shared an embrace with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the team's two constants from the Warriors' title runs with Kerr, in the final moments of Friday night and appeared to mouth the words “thank you.”
Kerr wouldn't reveal what he said in that moment.
“None of your business,” he said, smiling.
Green and Curry both made clear that they want him back. Kerr's future has been the subject of speculation for some time, fueled in part by him coaching this year on the final season of his existing contract.
“I want Coach to be happy. I want him to be excited about the job. I want him to believe you know he’s the right guy for the job,” Curry said. "I want him to have an opportunity to again enjoy what he does. So, whatever that means for him, you know, everybody’s plan is their own. And I’m not going to try to tell anybody what to do. He knows how I feel about him. That shouldn’t even need to be said.”
Added Green, when asked if he could even fathom the Warriors without Kerr on the sideline: "I just don’t deal with change well. I don’t love it. So, I don’t want to think about that. I hope that’s not the case. but we’ll see what happens.”
The 60-year-old Kerr just finished his 12th season with the Warriors. He's 604-353 in that span, led Golden State to the NBA Finals in each of his first five seasons — and once since then as well — plus guided USA Basketball to Olympic gold at the Paris Games in 2024.
He said he'll meet with Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy eventually, to chart a path for what's next. He suggested that might come in a week or two.
“We'll talk about what’s next for the Warriors, what the plan is this offseason,” Kerr said. "And we will come to a collaborative decision on what’s next. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I still love coaching. But I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date. there’s a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it’s time for new blood and new ideas and all that.
“And, if that’s the case, then I will be just nothing but grateful for the most amazing opportunity any person could have to coach this franchise, in front of our fans in the Bay and to coach Steph Curry, to coach Dray and the whole group.”
The Warriors were 37-45 this season, dealing with injuries the entire way. They rallied Wednesday from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers and move into Friday's play-in finale, but fell short against the Suns.
And now, the Warriors wait to see what's next.
“This was as tough a season as you can have, with the injuries, with all kinds of adversity," Kerr said. "And they battled, and they battled the entire season. They kept going the other night just to, you know, continue the season, to show that kind of fight. And then tonight, we just didn’t have it. But the competitive desire was there. And I’m proud of the group for finishing the season the right way by continuing to fight and trying to win every game.”
Kerr — who won five championships as a player, to go along with his four rings as a coach — has often spoken of his good fortunes within the game. He played for Lute Olsen at Arizona, played with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in Chicago, played with David Robinson and Tim Duncan in San Antonio, played for Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich as a pro.
And coaching Curry — the greatest face of a franchise he's ever seen, he said — is another honor, Kerr has insisted.
“The only thing I’ve learned is that I’m the luckiest guy in the NBA’s history," Kerr said.
It started with an incredibly moving moment, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr removed longtime stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green from the game, and the trio embraced on the sideline. Kerr is reportedly in the last year of his contract, and his future remains uncertain. It was a poignant moment between the three men who helped power the Warriors to four NBA championships since Kerr was hired in 2014.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen next but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you," Kerr told Curry and Green on the Amazon Prime Video broadcast.
Kerr said after the game his plan was to take some time to determine what's next.
Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr share a moment after their 14th season together ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ivu63E5VL2
But just moments after that heartwarming exchange, Green was ejected from the game.
He and Suns star Devin Booker got into a heated exchange of words and received double technicals. As play resumed, with Booker on the court and Green on the bench, the jawing seemingly continued to a degree referee Scott Foster determined crossed the line. He paused play and ejected both men.
Green played to the crowd, demanding louder boos as he walked off the court.
A short time later the Suns finished off their 111-96 victory that clinched the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
The Suns will now travel to Oklahoma City and a date with the defending champions. The top-seeded Thunder host Game 1 of their first-round series, Sunday, April 19 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns are not going anywhere. Well, technically, they have a flight to Oklahoma City for a game on Sunday afternoon, but you know what I mean. The season goes on, and we can thank Jalen Green. They effectively ended the Golden State Warriors’ season.
Phoenix got off to a strong start, and more importantly… they made their free throws! They went a perfect 15-for-15 from the charity stripe, and also connected on 7 more three-pointers than the Warriors. A true recipe for success.
Jalen Green led the Suns with 36 points on 14-20 shooting, including seven 3-point field goals. Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks had rough shooting nights and dealt with foul trouble early and often. Booker finished with 19 points on 5-12 shooting (10-10 FT), and Brooks added just 13 points on 4-14 shooting.
We should not take a win like this for granted, especially with how tough the Warriors looked when they took down the Clippers on their home floor a couple of nights ago.
A majority of the highlights you will see below all came courtesy of Jalen Green, as he was a walking highlight reel tonight. He poured in 35 points in the first play-in game against Portland, and added another 36 tonight. 37 on Sunday?
And one quick shoutout to Jordan Goodwin, who had his hands everywhere in this one. He was a major reason they won tonight, plain and simple.
Jordan Goodwin vs GSW:
19 PTS 9 REB 6 STL (!!) 7-11 FG 4-7 3P
More points than Steph. More rebounds than Horford. More steals than Draymond. More threes than Steph. pic.twitter.com/yca4YSZKkO
Phoenix jumped ahead to a 13-2 lead early, leading to a timeout from Steve Kerr. A similar start to the previous game for the Warriors, and they seemed to settle back in after, going on a 9-2 run.
Collin Gillespie was the first sub for the Suns, checking in for Jordan Goodwin. Jalen Green hit a momentum three to give the Suns a 23-11 lead.
Phoenix’s defense early was dialed in, making it tough for the Warriors to find any form of offensive flow. They held them to just 13 points through the first 9:30 of the game.
A Royce O’Neale triple extended the Suns’ lead to 16. Collin Gillespie drilled a stepback jumper as the time expired to make a 33-15 lead heading into the 2nd quarter.
The Warriors opened up on a 6-0 run, leading to a Jordan Ott timeout with the Suns’ lead cut to 12. As expected in this environment, no team will go down without a fight in an elimination game. A couple of mental errors started piling up for the Suns, with Goodwin overthrowing a wide-open Dillon Brooks off an inbound.
Haywood Highsmith got a chance to contribute and made his presence felt immediately.
Highsmith immediate impact, deflection on Porzingis leads to Jalen Green transition dunk.
Green later 3.
Goodwin putback. Suns up 13. Timeout Warriors 5:24 left in 1st half. #Suns
Every punch Phoenix threw seemed to be met with resistance from the Warriors. Just as they looked to distance themselves, the Dubs would go on a brief run to close some distance. Another careless turnover led to a Steph Curry transition triple, and the Warriors fans in the crowd started to get into it. Phoenix’s offense was absolutely shut down in the second quarter, pouring in just 17 points, with three of them coming right before the buzzer at half, courtesy of a Jalen Green triple.
At halftime, Phoenix led 50-45. Jalen Green led the Suns with 14 points. Podz led the Warriors with 12.
Second Half
The Suns had a strong third quarter overall, setting the tone early on defensively. Jalen Green continued his hot shooting, pouring in 11 points in the opening 9 minutes of the third, including three triples.
Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks were both battling rough shooting nights, along with foul trouble. They each picked up 4 fouls well before the third quarter came to a close.
Just as we all predicted, Draymond Green and… Haywood Highsmith got into it? A double-technical was assessed with just 30 seconds left in the 3rd quarter. This was later corrected as a double-foul on the two at the beginning of the fourth quarter by the PA announcer.
The Suns outscored the Warriors by four in the quarter to give them a 78-69 lead after three. Jalen Green had a 13-point quarter and led all scorers with 27 points.
Steph Curry opened the 4th quarter with a three, which is never a good sign for opponents. Jordan Goodwin thankfully responded with a three-pointer of his own, followed by forcing a jump ball on Steph defensively. Then he proceeded to get the crowd into it.
The Jalen Green game continued. He hit a pair of impossible shots with Draymond draped all over him. Bag work. Golden State called a timeout with the Suns leading 92-78.
Al Horford swiped some of that momentum back by knocking down a three, followed by Steph drawing a foul to get three shots. The lead was cut to 10.
Jordan Goodwin hit a three, and then Devin Booker got to his middie and the Suns poured in five straight points to build their lead back up to 99-84.
The Warriors kept fighting back, but the Suns poured in the threes to put their foot down for good and pull away.
Things certainly got chippy at the end, with Devin Booker and Draymond Green getting ejected after Green fouled out, and they exchanged words. And that’s all she wrote.
Up Next
As a reward for winning, the Suns are headed to Oklahoma City to play the Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs. They do not have a ton of time to rest, as Game 1 will start at 12:30 pm AZ time on Sunday afternoon.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – NOVEMBER 28: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up court around Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on November 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
PHOENIX (AP) — Jalen Green scored 36 points, Devin Booker added 20 and the Phoenix Suns locked down Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, winning 111-96 in the NBA’s play-in tournament Friday night.
The Suns took the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday in Game 1. The Warriors’ season is over.
Green shot 14 of 20 from the field, including 8 of 14 on 3-pointers. Jordan Goodwin scored 19 points, had nine rebounds and was a menace on defense with six steals.
Booker and Golden State’s Draymond Green were both assessed two technical fouls late in the fourth quarter after exchanging words multiple times and were ejected.
The 38-year-old Curry couldn’t get many clean looks and finished with 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 23 points.
Phoenix led by five at the break and built a 69-53 advantage with 5:12 left in third after a fast-break layup by Royce O’Neale. It was 85-72 with 10:12 remaining.
There was reason to believe the lead wasn’t safe. Phoenix blew an 11-point, fourth-quarter lead in a loss to Portland on Tuesday night, while Golden State clawed back from a 13-point fourth-quarter hole to beat the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, which led to the winner-take-all matchup Friday.
The Warriors looked as if they might have another comeback brewing — Curry hit a 3-pointer that cut the margin to 85-78 with 9:30 left — but the Suns responded with the next seven points.
The Suns avoided becoming the first team to lose both play-in tournament games on their home floor. The current format was established in 2021.
Golden State’s Kristaps Porzingis played through right ankle soreness, the result of an injury Wednesday against the Clippers. The 7-foot-3 center played just 15 minutes and finished with 11 points.
The Suns built an early 13-2 lead after the Warriors turned the ball over four times. Phoenix pushed the advantage to 33-15 through one quarter after Golden State shot just 30%, including 1 of 9 from 3-point range.
But the Warriors recovered, cutting it to 50-45 by halftime.
PHOENIX — They did it once. They couldn’t do it twice.
A second double-digit deficit in as many play-in games proved to be enough to eliminate the Warriors, who scored the opening basket Friday night and never led again in a 111-96 season-ending loss to the Suns.
“Tonight we just didn’t have it,” coach Steve Kerr said “But the competitive desire was there.”
In a star-studded showdown for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference, it wasn’t Steph Curry or Devin Booker who took over.
The Warriors’ Steph Curry was limited to 17 points Friday in the play-in loss to the host Suns. NBAE via Getty Images
Golden State had no answer for Jalen Green, who one-upped his 35-point performance in a play-in loss to the Blazers that required 29 shots with a surprisingly efficient 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting, including eight 3-pointers.
Curry was limited to 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting after he scored 35 — 27 in the second half — during Golden State’s comeback win against the Clippers. The Warriors struggled to pick up the slack, managing just 15 points in a first quarter that ended with them down by 18.
“This was as tough a season as you can have, with the injuries, with all kinds of adversity. And they battled. They battled the entire season. They kept going the other night to continue the season, to show that kind of fight,” Kerr said. “I’m proud of the group for finishing the season the right way, by continuing to fight and try to win every game.”
Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 23 points and 10 rebounds but committed four of their 21 turnovers that the Suns turned into 30 points.
Draymond Green and Gary Payton II helped the Warriors contain Booker and Dillon Brooks well below their season averages — a combined 33 points — but they had no answer for Jalen Green.
Golden State’s Green and Booker were both ejected with the game out of hand late as players came chest-to-chest and multiple technical fouls were called.
What it means
Last year’s Heat remain the only No. 10 seed to advance from the bottom spot in the play-in to the playoffs. Golden State’s season is over.
The Warriors will have the 11th-best odds in the lottery, giving them a 9.4% chance at a top-four draft pick and 2% odds at the No. 1 overall selection.
Phoenix, which finished seventh in the West, will be the No. 8 seed in a first-round series against the defending champion Thunder that begins Sunday.
“You really have to give the credit to Phoenix. They punched us early,” Kerr said. “Aggressive defense, forcing a lot of turnovers. So we didn’t have it.”
The Warriors’ Gui Santos and his teammates were unable to advance after losing to the Suns on Friday. NBAE via Getty Images
Turning point
After falling behind 12-2 early in Inglewood, the Warriors found themselves in an even deeper early hole against the Suns. Unlike in Wednesday’s win, when they erased multiple double-digit deficits, they were never quite able to claw back from a 13-2 opening salvo from Phoenix.
The Suns widened their lead to 33-15 by the end of the first quarter.
The Curry flurry that carried them over the Clippers never came. He came up with a steal late in the first half and set himself up for a transition 3 that cut the Suns’ lead to 43-36, then converted a pair of free throws to pull the Warriors within 47-45 in the final moments of the first half.
But that was as close as the Warriors would get.
Golden State kept it close until Green hit his eighth 3-pointer with 7:58 to play. The shot extended the Suns’ lead to 90-78, and the Warriors wouldn’t cut it within single digits again.
MVP: Jalen Green
Green went to high school in the Warriors’ backyard and struck up an early relationship with Curry. He was one of the reasons Golden State upset the Rockets in the first round last year. This time, he almost single-handedly ended their season.
When Green hit his eighth and final 3-pointer midway through the fourth, it matched as many as the Warriors had connected on as a team to that point. Golden State finished with 11.
Stat of the game: 4-for-16
Curry had nothing left in the tank after his heroics two nights earlier.
He struggled to get involved early, taking fewer shots than seven players while they fell behind in the first quarter, and never found the touch once he forced the issue.
Curry’s 25% success rate from the field was the lowest of any player on either side who attempted more than three shots. He was also responsible for four of Golden State’s 21 turnovers.
His primary defender, Jordan Goodwin, came up with six steals.
Up next
The Warriors can turn their attention to next season and potentially one last ride with Curry. He has one more year on his contract, along with Green and Jimmy Butler. The biggest question the Warriors have to answer is whether Kerr will be back for a 13th season. He coached this past season on an expiring contract and has declined to address his future.
PHOENIX (AP) — Jalen Green scored 36 points, Devin Booker added 20 and the Phoenix Suns locked down Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, winning 111-96 in the NBA’s play-in tournament Friday night.
The Suns took the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday in Game 1. The Warriors’ season is over.
Green shot 14 of 20 from the field, including 8 of 14 on 3-pointers. Jordan Goodwin scored 19 points, had nine rebounds and was a menace on defense with six steals.
Booker and Golden State’s Draymond Green were both assessed two technical fouls late in the fourth quarter after exchanging words multiple times and were ejected.
The 38-year-old Curry couldn’t get many clean looks and finished with 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 23 points.
Phoenix led by five at the break and built a 69-53 advantage with 5:12 left in third after a fast-break layup by Royce O’Neale. It was 85-72 with 10:12 remaining.
MAGIC 121, HORNETS 90
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Paolo Banchero scored 25 points and Orlando built a 35-point lead in the first half on the way to a rout of Charlotte in a play-in tournament game and advanced to a first-round playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
The Magic earned the No. 8 seed in playoffs and will start their best-of-seven series at Detroit on Sunday.
LaMelo Ball scored 21 of his 23 points in the third quarter for Charlotte.
Banchero had 12 points and Wendell Carter Jr. added 10 as the Hornets shot 5 for 20 with six turnovers in the first quarter and fell behind 38-16.
Ball was scoreless with two turnovers when he went to the bench with three fouls with 7:10 left in the first half. He did not score until Orlando’s lead had reached 35 points in the final seconds of the half.
The Magic were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in each of the last two postseasons and have not won a playoff round since 2010.
The Hornets, who beat the Magic in their last three regular-season games, have not been in the playoffs since 2016.
