The Golden State Warriors shocked the Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder last night, defeating them 116-109. It was a phenomenal showing from the Warriors, who fought back in the second half to erase a 14-point lead and win the game. But late in the game, with the score tied 93-93, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr took out Stephen Curry, much to the former MVP’s chagrin.

Steph Curry can’t believe Steve Kerr just subbed him out of a close game pic.twitter.com/213IKdmhTI

— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) January 30, 2025

Kerr would bring Curry back with 4:29 left in the game, and the Warriors were up by five points. Curry would make a dagger three as the Thunder looked like they were going to come back. Seconds later, he set up Andrew Wiggins to make a three as well, which effectively served to put the game on ice.

Speaking after the game, Stephen Curry talked about his choice to run around and dribble the ball after the game was over. He joked that he wanted to show Steve Kerr that he could still go and play more minutes, taking a friendly jab about being rested early in the game.

“I was just trying to prove to coach I can run around and play a couple of more minutes.”

It appears whatever momentary frustration Curry felt during the game was long gone by the time the game was over. In the moment, one can understand why Stephen Curry was so frustrated, as it was a very close game, and he felt he was healthy and spirited enough to stay on the court longer to give the Warriors the advantage.

Regardless of the situation, Curry had a great game, putting up 21 points (6-15 FG), one rebound, four assists, and one steal. The former All-Star went a scintillating 5-10 from the three-point line. This performance was exactly what the Warriors needed, as they picked up an all-important win to go 24-23 for the season, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference.

Stephen Curry On The Importance Of Big Win

Speaking after the game, Stephen Curry also spoke about how much the Warriors needed the win they got tonight. He noted that the Warriors winning tonight was significant not just because of where they were, and the other was the fact that they were playing against the best team in the West. He added that this shows them that at their best, they can compete with some of the toughest teams in the league.

“It’s important. Obviously for a few reasons. The competition you’re playing, the team that’s at the top of the conference, and just for us to be able to put two games together. We need positive vibes around here and we need wins. It was a lot of contributions across the floor.”

“It’s funny because we’re still in that position where every night, we don’t know who in the combination is going to work. But as long as everyone is committed to it, playing with high energy, and starring in their role, we hope that we get rewarded for that. But we definitely needed a night like that, tonight.”

The Warriors will definitely enjoy their win tonight. And this will give them a big boost in morale as they head into the second stretch of the season. But they will have to focus on their long-term future for this campaign. Perhaps this is why they are in the trade market, actively engaged with the Miami Heat to land Jimmy Butler.

The Warriors are reportedly hoping for a three-team deal with the Toronto Raptors to land Jimmy Butler. However, they might also have their heads turned with a deal for Zach LaVine, who is younger and less expensive from a salary standpoint.