Steph Curry On Giannis To The Warriors His Fit With Jimmy Butler, Warriors Last Dance & More HoopJab

As the Golden State Warriors’ season came to a close, Steph Curry sat on the sidelines—an unfamiliar vantage point for the face of the franchise. For the first time in his career, Curry was forced to watch, unable to influence the outcome on the court, as his team’s playoff run ended earlier than hoped. In a candid postseason interview, Curry opened up about the challenges, the heartbreak, and the hope that still fuels his legendary career.

“It’s Tough, Man”

Curry didn’t hide his disappointment. “It’s tough, man. That’s a first for me,” he admitted, reflecting on the pain of watching from the bench. “You wish you were out there to be able to do something about it, but it just wasn’t in the cards this year.”

Despite the frustration, Curry found pride in the Warriors’ resilience. “We gave a great effort since February to give ourselves a chance. To finish the year like we did and sneak into the playoffs, win that first round—there’s a lot to be proud of considering where we were.”

The “What Ifs” and the Road to Recovery

Asked how close he was to returning, Curry revealed that he was optimistic about a comeback for Game 6, pending final tests. “Everything was kind of aligned for Game 6. I was pretty optimistic, but there were a couple more checkpoints to get through. It’s a great ‘what if.’”

Looking ahead, Curry plans to use the offseason to rest and rebuild. “I don’t have any Olympics, so it’s just about getting rest, getting away from the game a little, and then rebuilding everything for another great run.”

A Window of Opportunity

With two years left on his contract, Curry acknowledged the urgency but remains focused on the present. “Yes, but also I’m just looking forward to next year. Nothing is guaranteed. Our contracts—me, Draymond, Steve, Jimmy—are all two years. We want this ride to last as long as possible, but it’s just about what this team needs for next year.”

He emphasized the importance of clarity and preparation, hoping the Warriors won’t have to fight through another “two-month gauntlet just to make the playoffs.”

Embracing the Challenge

Curry reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the season, especially after his injury in Game 1 of the playoffs. “Not right now, no,” he said when asked if the team’s late-season surge eased the sting of their exit. “But it’ll give us optimism coming into next year. That window where we went on a run down the stretch—that meant something. That was real.”

He remains confident in the Warriors’ core. “You look at the sample size of the last two months… we had enough to accomplish our goals and play high-level basketball. Does that mean we can win a championship? We hope so. All you want is a fighter’s chance.”

What’s Next for the Roster?

When pressed about potential roster changes, Curry was diplomatic. “I love every guy in that locker room… but every team has to get better. From Joe to Mike, Steve, our veteran leaders—we’ll all have those conversations and try to answer those questions the best we can.”

On Jonathan Kuminga’s uncertain future, Curry praised his growth and resilience. “He’s grown a lot. He’s been dealt a tough hand, but he’s handled his business. I’m proud of the way he’s handled it. The future is bright for him, whether it’s here or wherever.”

On Age, Legacy, and Savoring the Moment

Now 37, Curry is acutely aware of his basketball mortality. “It’s an ultimate compliment because it’s part of the level you’re playing at—‘Oh, he’s still doing it at this age.’ It’s a reminder to appreciate every moment. That’s why the way this ended was as emotional as it was—not being able to play in those big games, because you don’t know how many more opportunities you’ll have.”

He added, “This last chapter of my career—I’m trying to get every bit of fun and experience, and squeeze as much juice out of this as possible.”

The Jimmy Butler Effect and New Beginnings

Curry praised the seamless fit of Jimmy Butler since joining the Warriors. “There was a lot of chatter about whether it was the right trade, but from the first game, it was a seamless fit. He gave us so much belief that we could beat anybody on any given night.”

Looking ahead, Curry is excited to support the Valkyries, the Bay Area’s new women’s basketball team, as a fan and ambassador. “It’s great for the entire Bay. I’m excited to watch them play and wish them nothing but success.”

The Warrior Spirit Lives On

Despite the disappointment, Curry’s message is clear: the Warriors’ spirit endures. “We have a lot to be proud of and a lot to build off of for next year. We’ve got to maintain that optimism.”

As the Warriors look to the future, Steph Curry remains their heartbeat—driven by resilience, loyalty, and an unyielding belief that the best may still be yet to come.