{"id":395304,"date":"2026-04-16T14:08:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/395304\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:08:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:08:17","slug":"starting-5-play-in-thrills-continue-as-warriors-76ers-get-wins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/395304\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5: Play-In thrills continue as Warriors, 76ers get wins"},"content":{"rendered":"

A golden comeback, capped by an instant-classic Steph Curry triple, in another Play-In thriller.
As coach Steve Kerr put it: \u2018This is why Steph came back.<\/a>\u2018<\/p>\n

\"Stephen<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

Dubs Stun Clips: Curry\u2019s vintage flurry, Horford\u2019s epic 4th and an unreal clutch rally<\/p>\n

Warriors\u2019 Way: With their season on the line, Golden State\u2019s championship vets delivered<\/p>\n

Playoff Philly: Key contributions and Maxey\u2019s 31 points move Sixers past Magic<\/p>\n

Friday Look-Ahead: Magic-Hornets, Warriors-Suns, winner to Playoffs, loser goes home<\/p>\n

Awaiting Friday\u2019s Winners: Shaun Powell examines what\u2019s ahead for both No. 1 seeds<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

\"Scores<\/p>\n

The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament<\/a> sends its final two teams to the Playoffs \u2013 and two more home \u2013 on Friday, when the Magic host the Hornets (7:30 ET, Prime<\/a>), followed by the Warriors visiting the Suns (10 ET, Prime<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Playoffs Saturday: Friday\u2019s winners earn their conference\u2019s No. 8 seed (but won\u2019t play until Sunday). The NBA Playoffs<\/a> tip off Saturday with four Game 1s across Prime and ABC, followed by four more Sunday on ABC and NBC.<\/p>\n

Viewership Jumps: 170 million people in the U.S. watched NBA games across ABC\/ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, NBC\/Peacock and NBA TV during the regular season \u2013 the most in 24 years<\/a> and up 86% from last season.<\/p>\n

\"Playoff<\/p>\n

1. CURRY IGNITES WARRIORS PAST CLIPS IN ANOTHER PLAY-IN CLASSIC<\/p>\n

\"Stephen<\/p>\n

They had lost seven of their last eight games entering Wednesday.<\/p>\n

They were 8-33 this year when trailing entering the 4th quarter.<\/p>\n

But with their season on the brink, staring at a 13-point deficit with 9:53 left in last night\u2019s win-or-go-home showdown, the Warriors found a way.<\/p>\n

And in the biggest moment, it was Steph Curry.<\/p>\n

Warriors 126, Clippers 121: Curry (7 3s) dropped 27 of his 35 points<\/a> in the 2nd half, willing Golden State back in the 4th alongside Al Horford (14 pts, 3 3s) as the Warriors closed on a 16-5 run, highlighted by Steph\u2019s off-balance, go-ahead 3 with 50 seconds left to stun the Clippers. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Al<\/p>\n

Steph Spark: After going down 10 early in the 2nd half, Curry caught fire for 16 points in the 3rd, drilling three triples in a three-minute span to cut the deficit to six entering the 4th.<\/p>\n

It was only the start.<\/p>\n

Clips Clap Back: After holding multiple double-digit leads, Bennedict Mathurin (23 pts) and Darius Garland (21 pts, 8 ast) pushed LA\u2019s edge back to 13 with 9:53
\nSteph Says Hello: Moments later, Curry checked back in and immediately splashed a 3, jumpstarting a push that trimmed the deficit to seven<\/p>\n

Then, Al\u2019s Eruption: With the comeback brewing, Horford brought the jolt: a 3 to cut it to five. Another triple fifty seconds later. Then, a third \u2014 all within two minutes.<\/p>\n

Closing In: Curry and Gui Santos (20 pts) added two more buckets, trimming the deficit to one with 2:12 left
\nThen, Horford Hit Again: It was his fourth 3 in 3:35 of game time \u2013 and the Warriors\u2019 first lead since 8:11 in the 2nd quarter, up two with 2:12 left
\nBut It Was Short Lived: LA quickly answered at the line, tying the game with under two to play<\/p>\n

\"Stephen<\/p>\n

The Warriors needed one more bucket.<\/p>\n

So they went to Steph.<\/p>\n

With all five defenders keyed on him, Curry gave it up to Draymond Green at the top \u2014 then got it right back on a dribble handoff. He looked to turn the corner, but Brook Lopez walled him off, so he stepped back and fired:<\/p>\n

\u201cGooooooooood!<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n

Prime\u2019s Kevin Harlan was in disbelief. The Intuit Dome was in disarray. Curry was in the front row, watching it drop.<\/p>\n

Warriors up three with 50 seconds left.<\/p>\n

Two steals from Green later, and Golden State was golden in the Play-In once again.<\/p>\n

2. WARRIORS\u2019 WAY: VETERAN CHAMPS LIFT GOLDEN STATE LATE<\/p>\n

\"Stephen<\/p>\n

When the lights turn up, Steph Curry shines brightest.<\/p>\n

Exactly one year from last night, on April 15, 2025, Curry scored 15 of his 37 points in the 4th quarter of a Play-In game to beat Memphis, sending Golden State to the Playoffs.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what the four-time NBA champion does. Tenth in all-time Playoff points and first in Playoff 3s, Curry\u2019s built for moments like these. Late, tight, season on the line \u2014 where time and time again, Curry delivers.<\/p>\n

And he\u2019s owned the SoFi Play-In stage.<\/p>\n

Meeting The Moment: Steph has played in five career Play-In games. He\u2019s scored 35+ points in four of them
\nAnother Level: Only one other player has multiple career 35+ point performances in the Play-In: Ja Morant, with two
\nAlways Dangerous: Curry also owns the highest scoring average in Play-In Tournament history (min. 3 GP), with a scorching 34 ppg
\nUnfazed Fire: That included playing past a minutes restriction last night as he works his way back from a knee injury, making multiple trips to the locker room before taking over
\nThat Takeover? Seven 3s on 12-of-23 shooting, including a 10-of-14 mark in the 2nd half \u2013 capped by another clutch Curry banger
\n\u201cAll it takes is one,\u201d said Steve Kerr postgame of Curry\u2019s outbursts. \u201cThat\u2019s his magic. He can will himself into a game. He has so much belief, so much competitive desire \u2013 it\u2019s amazing to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Al<\/p>\n

That competitive desire fuels a veteran-laden Warriors squad with championship DNA \u2013 and it showed up Wednesday.<\/p>\n

It started with Al Horford.<\/p>\n

Worth The Wait: Horford, who won the 2024 NBA title with Boston, has battled through injuries in his first season with Golden State, missing 37 games
\nBut he saved his biggest game for the biggest spot, scoring 12 in the 4th with his four late 3s \u2013 matching his highest-scoring quarter of the season<\/p>\n

The night ended with Draymond Green.<\/p>\n

Winning Hustle: After Curry\u2019s go-ahead 3, Green stole LA\u2019s inbound to set up a Brandin Podziemski bucket
\n10 Seconds Later: \u201cGreen stole the ball<\/a>!\u201d Another swipe, this time on Kawhi Leonard (21 pts, 7 ast), who Green limited to 2 points in the 4th
\nWinning Duo: Draymond finished with 7 points, 6 boards, 9 assists and a game-high 4 steals, as he and Curry reached the Playoffs together for the 11th time
\n\u201cI\u2019ve been watching them for 12 years,\u201d said Kerr of Curry and Green. \u201cThere\u2019s a reason we have four championships, and it\u2019s the competitiveness. The heart. The will\u2026
\n\u201cIt\u2019s been such a tough year, but to just show what they\u2019re made of \u2013 what we\u2019re made of \u2026 with all the wins we\u2019ve ever had here \u2026 this one is right up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Up Next? Another elimination game, as the Warriors visit the Suns on Friday (10 ET) to decide the West\u2019s No. 8 seed in the Playoffs. The loser goes home.<\/p>\n

3. SIXERS CLAIM NO. 7 SEED: MAXEY MOVES PHILLY PAST ORLANDO<\/p>\n

\"Adem<\/p>\n

A year with its share of key injuries and absences.<\/p>\n

An emergency appendectomy for franchise star Joel Embiid.<\/p>\n

A Play-In elimination setting promising the unpredictable.<\/p>\n

Questions continued to follow the 76ers and their 2025-26 aspirations through the finish of the regular season.<\/p>\n

Wednesday night, Tyrese Maxey had an answer.<\/p>\n

In front of Allen Iverson and the Philly faithful<\/a> and in the classic black jerseys the team wore in the 2001 Finals, Maxey drove the Sixers back to the Playoffs after missing out last year.<\/p>\n

Sixers 109, Magic 97: Maxey scored 11 of his 31 points in the 4th quarter, including a stretch of 7 straight that pulled Philly out of a one-possession game to a double-digit win, claiming the No. 7 seed for the Sixers and sending them to a First-Round series in Boston.<\/p>\n

Desmond Bane\u2019s game-high 34 points led the Magic, who now return home to host the 9-seed Hornets in the SoFi Play-In Tournament finale Friday to decide the 8-seed. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Tyrese<\/p>\n

\u201cI told [the team] at the beginning of the year, \u2018I don\u2019t care what it takes, we\u2019re going to the Playoffs,\u2019\u201d Maxey said postgame
\nWhat It Took: Tyrese got his 31 efficiently but on a game-high 25 shots (44 FG%), leading all players with 42 minutes, following a season where he played the most minutes of his career (38 mpg)
\nMaxey\u2019s Move: After a 24-14 Magic run made it 86-87 with under 8 minutes to go, Tyrese took off with a floater, a triple and another floater to stretch the lead back to 8
\nThe Close: Orlando never got back within 4, with Maxey rising up for a game-sealing block in the final minute, before Andre Drummond (14 pts, 10 reb) delivered the dagger 3<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been doing a bit of that lately\u2026 understanding we need his greatness at the right time,\u201d coach Nick Nurse said of Maxey and his decisive 7-point burst.<\/p>\n

Top-5 Ty: Maxey\u2019s 31 is good for the 5th-highest scoring performance of this year\u2019s Play-In Tournament, after ranking top-5 in scoring (career-best 28.3 ppg) throughout a season in which all his offensive averages increased
\nWinning Wings: Joining Maxey with over 40 minutes played Wednesday, VJ Edgecombe (11 reb) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (5 3s) contributed 19 points apiece
\nWhat\u2019s Next: The 7-seed Sixers now face the 2-seed Celtics Sunday, the start of an NBA-record 23rd Playoff series between the two teams. No other postseason matchup has met more than 15 times<\/p>\n

\"Orlando<\/p>\n

The Magic still have another chance to join the Sixers in that Playoff field, facing a Hornets squad that\u2019s won its way into the Play-In finale, and six of its last eight games.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s frustration, but it\u2019s also a great opportunity ahead of us on Friday,\u201d Bane said. \u201cGet the chance to play at home in front of our fans\u2026 and the chance to go clinch a Playoff spot. I\u2019m excited for the challenge.\u201d
\nOrlando\u2019s Outputs: After Bane\u2019s 34 on Wednesday, the Magic got a combined 43 points from Paolo Banchero (18), Anthony Black (13) and Franz Wagner (12)<\/p>\n

4. FRIDAY LOOK-AHEAD: WIN OR GO HOME ON PRIME<\/p>\n

\"Stephen<\/p>\n

After two nights of 7 vs. 8 and 9 vs. 10 Play-In games, the stakes take another step up in Friday\u2019s Play-In finale.<\/p>\n

Win? A date with the No. 1 seed in the NBA Playoffs.<\/p>\n

Lose? That\u2019s a wrap on 2025-26.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll dive more into each matchup in Friday\u2019s edition, but let\u2019s get you started here\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Kon<\/p>\n

East | No. 10 Hornets at No. 8 Magic (7:30 ET, Prime): LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel lead Charlotte against Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Franz Wagner in a battle of opposing styles.<\/p>\n

3s Are Key: While Charlotte led the regular season in made 3s (16.4), no team allowed fewer triples than Orlando, which held its opponents to just 12.1 per game
\nLate Magic: Although the Magic couldn\u2019t edge Philly last night, they\u2019ve shined in crunch time this season with 21 clutch wins \u2013 tied with the Pistons for the most in the NBA
\nBuzzing Hornets: They\u2019ll now face a Hornets squad coming off an electric OT win<\/a> over Miami in Tuesday\u2019s winner-take-all duel \u2013 moving them one win shy of their first Playoff berth in a decade
\nUp Next: The winner earns the East\u2019s No. 8 seed, setting up a First Round matchup against the No. 1 Pistons (Game 1: Sunday at 6:30 ET, NBC)<\/p>\n

\"Stephen<\/p>\n

West | No. 10 Warriors at No. 7 Suns (10 ET, Prime): Steph, Draymond & Co. look to complete their climb against Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.<\/p>\n

Series Rewind: Golden State took three of four from Phoenix this season, with the Suns earning a last-minute 99-98 win Dec. 18 in which they held Curry to 2-of-9 from 3
\nThree & D Edge: Phoenix (45-37) finished 8 games ahead of Golden State and joined Boston as the only teams to rank top-5 in 3s (14.8 3pg) and top-10 in defense (112.9)
\nMore History? The Dubs aim for a second road win to join last year\u2019s Miami Heat as the only 10-seeds to advance out of the SoFi Play-In Tournament
\nOKC Awaits: The West\u2019s No. 8 seed goes to the winner, sending them into the First Round against the defending-champion 1-seed Thunder (Game 1: Sunday at 3:30 ET, ABC)<\/p>\n

5. AWAITING FRIDAY\u2019S WINNERS: WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE NO. 1 SEEDS<\/p>\n

\"Shai<\/p>\n

Ask the last three NBA champions:<\/p>\n

2025: No. 1-seed Thunder.<\/p>\n

2024: No. 1-seed Celtics.<\/p>\n

2023: No. 1-seed Nuggets.<\/p>\n

The top seed in the Playoffs is a coveted spot to be in. But what are some of the challenges?<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Thunder and Pistons, for instance, won\u2019t have their First Round Playoff matchups solidified until Friday\u2019s Play-In finale \u2014 making them the last seeds to have their opponent set.<\/p>\n

NBA.com\u2019s Shaun Powell examines the potential traps and hurdles OKC and Detroit could face on the Playoff road ahead, as they prepare for their Play-In challengers:<\/p>\n

Being a top seed in the NBA playoffs has its privileges. Home-court advantage throughout the rounds and the most favorable matchups every round from a seeding standpoint are the obvious two\u2026<\/p>\n

[But] in the Playoffs, even with a seven-game series, sometimes the hotter team ultimately prevails, making all that hard work in the regular season moot.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These are the realities for the top-seeded Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder starting next weekend.\u201d\u00a0| Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

Want to share\u00a0Starting\u00a05\u00a0with a friend?\u00a0Send them this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shape the Starting 5.\u00a0\u00a0Email us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t have the NBA App? Download it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A golden comeback, capped by an instant-classic Steph Curry triple, in another Play-In thriller.As coach Steve Kerr put…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":395305,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[85,46,105,91844],"class_list":{"0":"post-395304","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"tag-il","9":"tag-israel","10":"tag-sports","11":"tag-starting-5"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/395304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=395304"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/395304\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/395305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=395304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=395304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=395304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}