The Golden State Warriors have finally beaten the curse of the Play-In Tournament. After going 0-3 in it since it was introduced, they finally won their first game Tuesday night. Golden State beat the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 to officially clinch the 7th seed in the West for the playoffs.
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Despite a slow start, Stephen Curry and the Warriors picked up the pace. Jimmy Butler put forth the best performance he’s had as a Warrior, scoring 38 points, along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The Dubs also needed a big night from Curry, and he did not disappoint. The Chef cooked up 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in 39 minutes.
The Warriors secured a first-round playoff matchup against the 2nd seeded Houston Rockets with the win at Chase Center. The home team was egged on by a vocal fanbase right through the game, with Curry’s personal cheering squad setting the tempo.
Steph’s wife Ayesha and his elder daughter Riley were in attendance for the game. And, after the win, the two celebrated by dancing to the music in the arena. Ayesha posted a video of the moment to her Instagram story, captioning it, “My Riley Roo and I. So proud of you @stephencurry30.”
His wife and daughter’s presence in the arena would have added a spring in Steph’s step as he went about his business, recording a huge night for the team. Curry scored 15 of the Warriors’ 27 points in the 4th quarter, including 10 in a row to close the game out.
Ayesha Curry with her daughter Riley! pic.twitter.com/FimLcITRPO
— What are (W)NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) April 16, 2025
Given the beef between the Dubs and the Grizzlies, and the fact that Memphis beat them by 51 points during the season, this win would act as a big boost for the Warriors ahead of the playoffs.
Golden State also has a historic rivalry against the Rockets, its first-round opponents. However, the San Francisco-based team has a mental advantage going into that series, having won their regular-season series 3-2.
With a rejuvenated Steph Curry and Playoff Jimmy Butler itching to prove themselves again, the Warriors won’t be too worried about their lower seeding.
