The Golden State Warriors’ hopes of securing a direct playoff spot were crushed after a 124-119 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in San Francisco. With the defeat, Stephen Curry and the Warriors slipped into the play-in tournament.
Late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game, tied at 111, head coach Steve Kerr made the surprising move to bench Curry. While Curry did return for the final possession in overtime, his absence during key moments left fans stunned.
The decision drew sharp criticism, particularly after a social media user posted, “Curry getting benched in the clutch because he’s a defensive liability is one of many reasons why he will never be in the GOAT conversation.”
Steph Curry getting benched in the clutch because he’s a defensive liability is one of many reasons why he will never be in the GOAT conversation. pic.twitter.com/2UVqhLAVXy
— HiNote. 🛸 (@HiNoteee) April 13, 2025
The comment and the Warriors’ decision instantly sparked outrage among Curry supporters and basketball fans.
“Never. It’s actually disgraceful for a superstar. I don’t think it has ever happened to anyone in the Top 10 all-time,” one user fired back.
Never. It’s actually disgraceful for a superstar. I don’t think it has ever happened to anyone in the Top 10 all-time.
— HiNote. 🛸 (@HiNoteee) April 13, 2025
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Another fan was puzzled by the move and wrote, “I started watching late so I thought he fouled out lol but then I seen him sub back in for the last play.”
I started watching late so i thought he fouled out lol but then I seen him sub back in for the last play
— WonderBoy (@LongLiveAnferny) April 14, 2025
One fan didn’t hesitate to point fingers at Kerr: “Naw, Kerr is just a terrible coach.”
Naw kerr just a terrible coach
— SPENT (@itsalreadyspent) April 14, 2025
Another one chimed in, “They should’ve actually had benched GP2 — his ass was ass defensively. Steph was pretty good on that side.”
They should've actually had benched GP2 his ass was ass defensively. Steph was pretty good on that side.
— Joshua D Stone (@PoetofGallifrey) April 14, 2025
Stephen Curry Makes History As Warriors Enter Play-In Tournament
Curry ended the 2024-25 regular season spectacularly, scoring 36 points against the Los Angeles Clippers. He also added three rebounds, six assists, and two steals. He shot 10-of-20 from the field and drilled seven of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc.
At 36 years old, Curry etched his name into the history books by becoming the oldest point guard in NBA history to average at least 20 points per game in a season. This year, he has averaged 24.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.4 three-pointers per game.
Despite Curry’s brilliance, the Warriors fell short of securing a guaranteed playoff spot after Sunday’s loss. They now head into the Play-In Tournament, where they will face the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on Tuesday. If the Warriors win, they will earn a spot in the first round of the playoffs against the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets.
