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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors speaks with Jalen Green of the Phoenix Suns following the Suns’ 111-96 win in the NBA play-in tournament, where Green scored 36 points to eliminate Golden State.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green delivered a defining playoff moment — and a full-circle tribute to his mentor — after leading the Suns past Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry in the NBA play-in tournament.
Green exploded for 36 points, tying a play-in record with eight 3-pointers, as the Phoenix Suns secured a 111-96 victory. The win advances Phoenix to a first-round matchup with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, while Golden State’s season comes to an abrupt end.
After the game, Green revealed a meaningful exchange with Curry that underscored their long-standing connection.
“Yeah, he was just telling me go handle business in OKC,” Green said. “Coming from Steph, it means a lot… just to hear him say, ‘Go kill and handle business.’”
Jalen Green’s Play-In Performance Fuels Suns’ Statement Win
Green delivered one of the most efficient outings of his career, shooting 14-for-20 from the field and 8-for-14 from beyond the arc. He sparked a 9-0 run to close the first quarter, helping Phoenix build an 18-point first-half lead.
The Warriors briefly rallied with a 9-0 run in the second quarter to cut the deficit to two, but Green responded with a clutch triple before halftime to restore control. From there, Phoenix maintained its edge, with Green dictating the pace throughout.
The performance marked redemption for Green, who struggled against Golden State in last year’s playoffs while still with Houston.
Stephen Curry, Warriors Fall Short in Play-In Exit
Curry finished with 17 points on 4-for-16 shooting, including 3-for-10 from deep, and was held scoreless in the third quarter as the Suns pulled away.
Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 23 points and 10 rebounds, but Golden State could not overcome Green’s shooting barrage. The loss raises questions about the franchise’s direction, with head coach Steve Kerr entering the final year of his contract.
From Fresno to Phoenix: Jalen Green’s Full-Circle Moment
For Green, the postgame exchange with Curry carried deeper meaning rooted in his journey. Born in Merced, California, and raised in nearby Fresno, Green grew up less than a three-hour drive from Oakland — where Curry built his dynasty.
As a teenager, Green trained with Curry in the Bay Area, forging a relationship that evolved into mentorship.
“Just because I was maybe 16 years old, he was having me come out to Oakland just to work out with him,” Green said. “So he’s kind of been somewhat of a mentor.”
A five-star recruit out of San Joaquin Memorial High School and Prolific Prep, Green opted for the G League Ignite pathway before being selected No. 2 overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was later dealt to Phoenix in the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade last offseason.
Now, years after those early workouts, Green found himself eliminating his mentor’s team — and receiving encouragement in the process.
Suns vs. Thunder: Jalen Green Turns Focus to OKC
The Suns now shift their attention to reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, with Game 1 set for Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Green’s emergence as a playoff scorer gives Phoenix a dangerous edge heading into the series. More importantly, it signals his arrival as one of the NBA’s next stars.
And with Curry’s message still fresh, the mission is clear.
Handle business.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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