Curry, Warriors knocked out of NBA play-in tournament by Suns

Curry, Warriors knocked out of NBA play-in tournament by SunsStephen Curry struggled with just 17 points as the 2026 NBA champions season was ended by the Phoenix Suns in the final play-in elimination match.Jalen Green’s 36 points helped lift the Phoenix Suns into the playoffs with a 111-96 play-in win over the visiting Golden State Warriors on Friday.The Suns earned the Western Conference’s eighth postseason seed. They will visit the defending champion and top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday to open a first-round series.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4New Jersey announces $150 transit tickets to reach the World Cuplist 2 of 4Arsenal to embrace ‘privilege’ not pressure of Man City Premier League tiltlist 3 of 4Infantino defends World Cup pricing in ‘very special’ US marketlist 4 of 4‘Turning point’: How Marie-Louise Eta can blaze a trail for women in sportend of listPhoenix scored 30 points off the Warriors’ 21 turnovers.After Phoenix let a late lead slip away against the Portland Trail Blazers in the play-in opener, the Suns held on this time.There was some late drama, though.With the outcome already decided, Golden State’s Draymond Green fouled out with just more than a minute remaining. Warriors coach Steve Kerr shared a moment with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, embracing both. The three were part of four NBA championship runs.However, as action resumed, Draymond Green and the Suns’ Devin Booker began a heated discussion that carried on for several moments before the whistle blew and both players were issued a technical foul. Green was ejected.Phoenix jumped out to a big lead with a 13-0 run after the Warriors scored the game’s first two points, then closed the quarter with eight consecutive points to lead 33-15.Golden State’s 15 first-quarter points were their fewest in a quarter since scoring 14 in the fourth quarter on March 7 against the Thunder.The Suns, who shot 52.4 percent in the first quarter, struggled in the second quarter as the Warriors roared back.Phoenix was just 5 of 20 from the field in the second, and Golden State pulled within two on Curry’s free throws with 19.6 seconds remaining in the half.