NBA Playoffs: Curry and Warriors Eliminated by Suns, Orlando Advances to Playoffs

The Golden State Warriors of Stephen Curry failed to qualify for the NBA playoffs by losing 111-96 on Friday in the play-in game against the Phoenix Suns, who will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. On the eve of the playoffs, the Orlando Magic crushed the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 to secure the final spot in the East and challenge the Detroit Pistons.

It’s all over for Stephen Curry and his teammates. Condemned to the play-in game for the third consecutive season, the Golden State Warriors were eliminated from playoff contention, just like in 2024, another disappointment to end Stephen Curry’s 17th season at 38 years old. They lost on Friday in the play-in game against the Phoenix Suns.

A hero on Wednesday against the Clippers, the crafty point guard, who returned at the beginning of April after two months out with a right knee injury, was well contained by the Suns’ defense on Friday, scoring 17 points (3 for 10 from three-point range) and 4 assists. Jalen Green gave the Warriors a hard time with 36 points. The Suns, quickly taking the lead, saw the visitors come within 5 points at halftime (50-45) but managed to maintain a lead until the final buzzer.

Golden State, champions in 2022, end a season filled with frustrations marked by numerous injuries, in addition to Curry’s, in an aging squad that knows their time is running out. Jimmy Butler tore the ACL in his right knee in January, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis in particular missed many games. Curry, who still has one year left on his contract, has never mentioned retirement and hopes to have another chance to contend for a 5th title next year.

Orlando Crushes Charlotte

Orlando Magic, unconvincing for several weeks and defeated by Philadelphia on Wednesday in the first play-in game, had a brutal awakening on Friday that stunned the Hornets. In their home court, the Floridians suffocated the Hornets with their defense and were leading 38-16 after the first quarter, then 68-37 at halftime. Charlotte had only scored 13 baskets in open play (excluding free throws) with 14 turnovers…

Critics rained down on Paolo Banchero after a poor performance against Philadelphia, but he shone brightly with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading a strong team effort. French interior player Moussa Diabaté (2 points, 8 rebounds) suffered a brutal dunk from Banchero in the third quarter and could not find a solution, mirroring his teammates. Rookie Kon Knueppel had another underwhelming game (11 points), while LaMelo Ball, hero of the first play-in game on Tuesday against Miami, came alive too late (23 points).

This disappointment marks the end of an exciting season for Charlotte, whose young and fast-paced roster revitalized a franchise that hadn’t made the playoffs since 2016. The Magic will travel to Detroit on Sunday to begin the first round against the top team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season.