Curry, Green and Kerr were all huddled together after their play-in loss in an emotional moment.
The final minute of the Golden State Warriors' season produced a moment that stopped everyone. With the Warriors trailing Phoenix 111-96 in the play-in and the season slipping away, Steve Kerr gathered Steph Curry and Draymond Green on the sideline for what felt like more than a timeout huddle.
The mic picked it up. "I don't know what's gonna happen next, but I love you guys." Three pillars of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history, heads together, acknowledging something that words couldn't quite capture.
Curry was asked about it postgame. He didn't pretend it was easy. "You've ended your season a lot of different ways," Curry said. "But for it to start with that conversation in that moment, it was definitely weird." This wasn't an unprecedented moment, but the context gave even number 30 pause.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) as he walks off the court after losing to the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesA Season That Ended Too Soon
"I do appreciate the fact that he took that moment, because regardless, we're human beings and we have to be able to acknowledge each other in that moment. But I don't know if that's a signal of anything, it's just we wanted to appreciate what we have all poured into this journey."
The Warriors got to this point on sheer will. Curry missed two months with a knee issue, Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January, Kristaps Porzingis played just 15 games in the second half, and Moses Moody suffered a torn patellar tendon. The injury list was relentless. And still, Curry came back and insisted on playing meaningful basketball.
They beat the Clippers in the first play-in game in vintage fashion, then the Suns ended it. Jalen Green torched Golden State for 36 points, Jordan Goodwin added 19 with six steals, and Curry could never get going, finishing with 17 points on 4-for-16 shooting. Final score 111-96. Season over.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green gestures the crowd after being ejected against the Phoenix Suns during the closing seconds of the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesWhat Comes Next
Kerr is entering this offseason in the final year of his contract extension with no new deal in place. He was candid after the loss. "I don't know what's going to happen. I still love coaching. But I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date." He said he plans to take a few weeks, regroup, and then have those conversations with ownership.
Curry made his own feelings clear. "I want coach to be happy. I want him to be excited for the job. I want him to believe he's the right guy for the job." He also confirmed he wants to play multiple more seasons and is open to an extension this summer. Draymond holds a $27.6 million player option and said he has no intention of retiring.
The sideline moment may not have been a signal of anything, as Curry put it. But it felt like one. And Golden State's front office now has a lot of decisions to make about what this franchise looks like going forward.