A lackluster performance by Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors officially ended their chance to participate in this year's NBA playoffs.

Against the Trail Blazers, he shot 14 out of 29 (2 out of 7 from three-point range), scoring 35 points with 5 rebounds and 2 assists; against the Warriors, he shot 14 out of 20 (8 out of 14 from three-point range), exploding for 36 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jalen Green contributed a total of 71 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists across the two playoff qualification games, ultimately leading the Suns to advance to the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Western Conference, where they will face the Thunder, who are ranked first in the Western Conference and the league.

On April 18 Beijing time, with only 1 minute and 6 seconds left in the game, Kerr tightly embraced the team's two core players during a timeout: his right arm around Green and his left arm around Curry. "I don't know what the future holds, but I will always love you!" After sharing these heartfelt words with the two future Hall of Fame stars, the three hugged tightly. No one understands better than these three that the league's landscape changes rapidly, and fortunes rise and fall unpredictably.

On April 18 Beijing time, the Warriors lost to the Suns in the play-in tournament and were eliminated, missing the playoffs, ending their 2025-26 season.

The Suns versus Warriors elimination game was a proving ground for Jalen Green. Last season in the first round of the playoffs against the Warriors, Green faced a "Black Seven" upset and was eliminated. In that series, he averaged 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, with a shooting percentage of only 37.2%.

On April 18 Beijing time, in the NBA play-in game, the Suns defeated the Warriors 111-96 at home. The Suns secured the 8th seed in the Western Conference and earned a playoff spot, facing the Thunder in the first round, while the Warriors were eliminated and missed the playoffs. In this game, Curry made 4 out of 16 shots, 6 out of 6 free throws, and only 3 out of 10 three-pointers, scoring 17 points with 4 assists.

The final NBA playoff spot~ Warriors starters Santos + Draymond Green + Porzingis + Podziemski + Curry; Suns starters Goodwin + Dillon + Iguodaro + Jalen Green + Booker. In the first play-in game, Warriors 126-121 Clippers; Suns 110-114 Trail Blazers. It was thought the Warriors could ride the momentum of their first win to overpower the Suns, but unexpectedly the situation unfolded differently.

In the first quarter, the Suns got into rhythm quickly, with Goodwin and Dillon firing from outside, Iguodaro delivering a dunk, and Jalen Green also hitting from beyond the arc, helping the Suns secure a dream start of 13-2.

On April 18 Beijing time, the Magic eliminated the Hornets in the play-in game, securing the last playoff spot in the East. Their first-round opponent is the top-ranked Pistons. Cunningham and Banchero will face off in a top pick showdown. The official website predicts the Pistons will ultimately eliminate the Magic 4-1 and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Pistons have consistently held the top spot in the East this season, performing far beyond expectations; the Magic have been disappointing, barely locking up the eighth seed until the final play-in game.

Beijing time April 18th, according to Spurs reporter Tom Orsborn, Stephon Castle has understood during his two seasons with the Spurs: from Gregg Popovich, you will always get straightforward and honest words. The 2024–25 NBA Rookie of the Year said after today's training session: "Having such a senior figure to confide in has greatly helped me and many teammates."