The Golden State Warriors are still fighting for their playoff lives in the Sofi NBA Play-In Tournament, thanks to strong efforts from Stephen Curry, Gui Santos, and Kristaps Porzingis against the Los Angeles Clippers.
While Curry poured in 35 points in another incredible performance from the long-range shooting superstar, Santos and Porzingis each contributed 20 points. The latter is playing for his sixth team, and many felt it would be another strong opportunity for him to compete for a championship.
However, Golden State is now facing another play-in game on Friday evening, as Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns await them. Both teams are looking to win to make the postseason, making it a crucial game that may feature the Warriors shorthanded.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported the Warriors’ injury report shows Porzingis as “questionable” for Friday’s game due to right ankle soreness. Slater indicated that Porzingis was limping after Wednesday night’s win in Los Angeles.
Guard Grayson Allen and center Mark Williams are currently game-time decisions for Phoenix.
Porzingis being out could be bad news for Golden State, as they were already 3.5-point underdogs against the Suns in this major road game. They limped into the postseason without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, who suffered season-ending injuries, further limiting the Warriors’ roster.
However, Curry is back on the court after weeks away, and his recent performance against the Clippers, who were also favorites to win, revealed that he still has what it takes to battle with the best of them and defy the odds.
It’s also worth noting that the Warriors are 3-1 against Phoenix in regular-season meetings. Curry, Porzingis, and Booker were all out for the most recent game, a 101-97 Warriors’ win in Phoenix in early February.
This time, the stakes are much higher, though, so it could take another massive scoring effort from Curry, unless an unlikely hero steps up. A second-straight impressive Curry outing to achieve the upset would certainly be another highlight in the four-time NBA champion’s career.
Along with that, many non-Suns fans might prefer seeing Curry in the postseason some more, as the playoffs already feature all-time greats and former MVPs LeBron James and Kevin Durant battling in a series.
The prize for the winner of Friday night’s game is a first-round matchup against the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Playoffs, which could allow the Warriors’ “Chef Curry” more opportunities to cook against his opponents.