Brunson secured his first ring three years older than Curry, who was just 26 when he won his first NBA Finals. However, the Golden State Warriors legend shares the distinction of winning the title in his very first Finals appearance.

Compared to James, Brunson is two years older than the Lakers star was during his first championship run. James was 27 when he got his first ring against Oklahoma City. Had Brunson not won, Victor Wembanyama could have done it at 22 but he came up short in his first trip to the Finals.

Brunson left his mark on the Finals

Brunson didn’t just help bring a title to New York; he also posted some massive individual numbers this postseason. He logged his fourth-highest playoff scoring average while pulling down a postseason career-high 4.1 defensive rebounds per game.

In the decisive Game 5 against the Spurs to clinch the title, Brunson dropped 45 points, another feat that holds up against James and Curry. It’s a performance that will undoubtedly go down in franchise history as an iconic moment, anchoring the team’s comeback to win the Finals.

Brunson didn’t cruise to this ring, either. The Knicks battled through some regular-season turbulence and missed out on the top seed in the Eastern Conference. But once the playoffs started, they found a second gear, dropping just three games total and avoiding a single Game 7.

Just like Wembanyama, James suffered a painful defeat in the 2007 NBA Finals while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His team was swept 4-0 by the San Antonio Spurs, the very same franchise that looks much better today with the talented, towering Frenchman on the roster.

On the other hand, Stephen Curry also enters the conversation when comparing what Wembanyama accomplished in his first Finals appearance. But the Golden State Warriors guard fared much better, winning his first big trophy in 2015 with the team he has played for since 2009.

A great learning experience for Wembanyama and the Spurs

What Wembanyama accomplished in just his third NBA season, helping the Spurs put together a deep playoff run and knocking out the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder along the way, was incredibly impressive. It’s a valuable learning experience he can use down the road to get his revenge against the Knicks.

That’s pretty much exactly what James did after losing his first Finals back in 2007. It wasn’t until 2013 that he finally got his revenge against the Spurs, winning a thrilling 4-3 series against San Antonio as a member of the Miami Heat.

Wembanyama can also look at how well Curry has fared with the Warriors, having lost just two Finals in his career. One of those losses came during his second trip to the championship stage, falling to none other than James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Brunson ended with 45 points, but it fell a bit short of Curry’s best NBA Finals performance. Back in Game 3 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Curry had 47 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists against the Toronto Raptors.

On the other hand, LeBron James‘ best NBA Finals game came in Game 1 of the 2018 series vs. the Golden State Warriors. James scored 51 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in that game. Alongside his 45 points, Brunson had just three rebounds and three assists.

There’s a key difference in Brunson’s performance compared to Curry and James’

While scoring 45 points is nothing to be ashamed of, the box score alone signal James and Curry games as better than Brunson’s. Not only on the points statistics, but also on rebounds and assists.

However, Brunson wouldn’t trade his performance with either of them. After all, James and Curry both lost those games, while Brunson’s gave the Knicks their first NBA Championship in more than five decades. There’s no price tag in what Brunson just achieved.

Brunson’s NBA Finals performance puts him in elite company

Per Underdog NBA, there’s only been four players in NBA history scoring 45+ points in a closeout game in the NBA Finals. Brunson is the fourth guy on that list, joining top-talent names:

• Jalen Brunson
• Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Michael Jordan
• Bob Pettit

The accomplishment places Gilgeous-Alexander in extremely rare company. The only point guards in NBA history to score 35 or more points in a Conference Finals Game 7 are Stephen Curry on May 30, 2016, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on May 30, 2026.

For Gilgeous-Alexander, the performance was another example of his ability to carry a team deep into the postseason. With everything on the line, he answered the challenge and produced one of the most memorable games of his playoff career, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s elite guards.

How dominant was SGA in 2026?

Throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander was the driving force behind Oklahoma City‘s success. He consistently led the offense, created scoring opportunities for teammates, and delivered in high-pressure situations. Night after night, he looked every bit like a superstar capable of leading a championship contender.

The comparison to Curry is significant because both players reached this milestone while serving as the unquestioned leaders of their teams. Curry‘s Game 7 performance in 2016 became part of his legendary playoff résumé, and Gilgeous-Alexander now has a moment of his own that will be remembered for years.

Regardless of the final outcome of the season, this playoff run should only strengthen Gilgeous-Alexander moving forward. Great players often use both success and disappointment as fuel, and there is little reason to believe this experience will be any different.

According to Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints, Stephen Curry reportedly made it known “internally” that he wants to play at least 20 seasons in the NBA. That would mean two more years in the league, because it is important to remember that he is already in his 17th season.

During his time in Golden State, the team won four NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, more than some teams have won in their entire existence. It is a very high number, and he is still fighting to extend it and continue building his own legacy.

Curry’s contract with the Warriors

Curry is under contract through the upcoming season, having signed a one-year, $62 million deal. If he’s truly intent on playing at least another two years beyond his current contract, it will be up to him and the Warriors to come up with a deal that satisfies both sides.

Curry’s injury update

Curry dealt with a knee injury that kept him out for most of the second half of the season. He was able to return toward the latter part and into the Play-In Tournament, but he was still playing on a minutes restriction. Many were hoping that the injury was not something that could linger past this season, but it looks like all he will need is rest, according to Brett Siegel.

“The good news regarding Curry and his knee ailment is that this is not something that will require offseason surgery, and the extra rest he will receive leading up to training camp in September will be valuable. Sources close to the situation told that Curry will have no limitations entering the 2026-27 season and that his knee injury this past year was simply a product of overuse and wear and tear,” Siegel wrote.

That is good news for Curry and the Warriors, especially at this point in his career, where an injury could affect him for the long haul. More importantly, they are hoping to stay healthy next NBA season to take advantage of the roster they have and the return of Steve Kerr.

With Kerr returning for two more seasons, the standard still seems to be the same for the Warriors, regardless of who is on the floor, and that is to win. There is no doubt that Mike Dunleavy Jr. will do whatever he can during the summer to make sure the Warriors are in the best position to do that.

According to Jake Weinbach, the Warriors will likely shop the No. 11 overall pick in trade talks for an immediate impact player that can help maximize the remaining years of the Steph Curry era. The Bay Area side remains in win-now mode after signing Steve Kerr to a new two-year deal.

And something else that was also mentioned is that Kawhi Leonard, Trey Murphy III, and Michael Porter Jr. would be notable names for Golden State to monitor on the trade market. The Warriors would most likely attach first-round draft compensation to Jimmy Butler’s $56.8M expiring salary in any blockbuster deal.

Butler as the main tool to get something done

The Warriors could gauge Butler’s trade market this offseason as they evaluate the roster’s direction. Butler is recovering from a torn right ACL suffered in January. He underwent surgery in February and is expected to miss nine to 12 months, placing a potential return in the late 2026 NBA season.

He is 36 and under contract through 2026-27 after signing a two-year extension following his arrival from the Miami Heat. He is owed $54.1 million next season and $56.8 million the year after.

The Warriors still count on the old guard

It is still too early to say that Curry and Green will remain with the Warriors, but it is almost a fact that they will, and now with Steve Kerr agreeing to a two-year deal, signaling the organization still intends to compete rather than reset.

The Warriors will go against desperation and against all odds. After coming off a season where injuries badly affected them, they will aim for consistency and health for a better postseason.

Head coach Steve Kerr was caught on camera speaking to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green with a message that sounded deeply personal: “I don’t know what’s gonna happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you.” It didn’t feel like routine postgame emotion. It felt like reflection, maybe even closure.

For years, this trio helped build one of the most iconic dynasties in NBA history, winning four championships and redefining how the game is played. But time has slowly caught up. Attempts to refresh the roster under general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., including bets on younger players like Jonathan Kuminga, haven’t delivered the expected leap. This season, everything unraveled further with a key injury to Jimmy Butler, leaving the team without enough firepower to sustain a real run.

End of an era for the Warriors?

There’s no easy way to frame it, but the signs are there. Steph Curry, now 38, remains elite, yet the margin for error is thinner than ever. Even if he returns next season, the window is no longer wide open for a championship as the Western Conference is loaded.

Draymond Green’s situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Entering the final year of his contract, his name has already surfaced in trade conversations. A move involving him would not just be a roster adjustment. It would be a symbolic shift away from everything this team once represented.

Maybe Kerr’s words were just emotion in the moment. Or maybe they were something more. A recognition that what this group built together is no longer guaranteed to continue. Either way, it felt different. And sometimes, those small moments say everything.

He did not play on April 9 against the Los Angeles Lakers, with the Warriors opting to sit him on the front end of a back-to-back as part of a controlled recovery plan. The decision was tied to his return from a prolonged absence.

Head coach Steve Kerr and the team’s medical staff have prioritized keeping his healthy for the Play-In Tournament, rather than pushing him in low-stakes regular-season games. His workload is being carefully managed.

Is Stephen Curry injured or being rested?

Stephen Curry is not fully injured but is being managed due to a right knee issue, with the team resting him. According to the injury report, he was listed out for the April 9 game vs. the Lakers due to “right knee injury management”.

The issue is related to what has been described as runner’s knee, the same condition that previously sidelined him for an extended stretch earlier this season. After missing 27 consecutive games, he returned earlier in April but has been on a restricted workload and minutes limit since then.

Golden State’s approach has been cautious rather than reactive. Instead of pushing him through back-to-backs or low-priority games, they have opted to rest him intermittently to avoid aggravating the injury.

When will Stephen Curry return to play?

Stephen Curry’s return date is now expected for tonight’s game, with the Golden State Warriors evaluating his status on a game-by-game basis. Although he had missed time, he is now in line to make his return today.

Head coach Steve Kerr and the medical staff have emphasized a day-to-day evaluation, meaning his status depends on how his knee responds to recovery and treatment between games. There is no indication of a long-term setback.

The timing is key: with the Play-In Tournament approaching, Golden State is prioritizing having him at full strength rather than risking further irritation. That’s why his availability remains game-time dependent.

As expected, after the game James was asked whether this could have been the last opportunity to face Curry considering retirement could be very close. It seems very unlikely that the Lakers and Warriors will meet in the playoffs and they couldn’t face each other during the regular season.

“We actually talked about it a little bit. We both didn’t even realize it until today. I was like: ‘We haven’t played against each other this year.’ I didn’t even realize that until actually seeing it and they broke down the games. We never know. We don’t know what the future holds. We don’t know if we’ll get the opportunity to play against each other.”

Will LeBron James retire after this season?

It is still unknown whether LeBron James will retire at the end of this season. Therefore, despite not being able to face Curry, the Lakers star admitted that he cherishes the moments with Steph. “It’s always a pleasure. It’s always an honor just to be in his presence and to be on the floor with him when we have in the past.”

Have the Lakers clinch a spot in the NBA playoffs?

Yes. The Lakers have clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs, and the only thing left to determine is their position in the Western Conference. Everything points to the No. 4 or No. 5 seed, making a matchup with Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets very likely.

The latest injury reports from the NBA indicate that the point guard is being closely monitored after returning from a knee injury, with his status hinging on a final pregame evaluation.

In the case of the Lakers forward, the medical staff has cleared him to play after evaluating his lingering foot discomfort, with the decision reflecting confidence in his recovery while continuing to monitor his workload.

How and when did LeBron James get injured?

LeBron James did not suffer a single clear in-game injury, but is currently dealing with ongoing left foot injury management that has affected his availability late in the season.

According to the latest reports ahead of the April 9 matchup between the Lakers and the Warriors, the veteran forward has been listed under injury management protocols rather than a specific new injury diagnosis.

The Lakers have been careful with his workload throughout the final stretch of the regular season, especially as the team battles multiple injuries across the roster. His status has fluctuated between probable and questionable depending on scheduling and recovery needs.

How and when did Stephen Curry get injured?

Stephen Curry suffered a right knee injury in late January 2026 during a game against the Detroit Pistons, when he experienced a flare-up of patellofemoral pain that forced the Golden State Warriors to immediately shut him down.

According to ESPN reports, the issue was diagnosed as a wear-and-tear condition rather than a single traumatic play, but it escalated enough to require extended rest.

The medical staff quickly ruled him out for the remainder of that matchup and began a rehabilitation plan focused on reducing inflammation and managing chronic stress on the joint.

He ended up missing more than two months of action, sitting out 27 games as Golden State carefully managed his recovery. He returned in April 2026 and has since been gradually reintegrated into the rotation.

How has Stephen Curry performed this season?

Stephen Curry has averaged 27.0 points per game across the 2025–26 season, maintaining elite production for the Golden State Warriors despite missing significant time due to a right knee injury.

According to official NBA statistical tracking via ESPN, he has also added around 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game when on the floor. Before his injury, he was among the league leaders in scoring efficiency and three-point shooting volume, ranking first in made threes at 4.5 per game.

His offensive impact remained unchanged even in his 17th season, continuing to serve as the Warriors’ primary scoring engine. In his early games back, he has shown typical scoring bursts while still working to regain full rhythm following a two-month absence.

How has LeBron James performed this season?

LeBron James has averaged 20.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game during the 2025–26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, continuing to produce at a high level in his 23rd NBA season.

He remains one of the most productive all-around players in the NBA, contributing as both a primary facilitator and secondary scorer depending on the Lakers’ roster availability.

His playmaking numbers remain especially strong, reflecting his continued role as the team’s offensive organizer. Even with reduced physical load in certain stretches, he has maintained consistent production whenever active.

He is likely to be available for the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings. The star guard logged 26 minutes and scored 29 points in his comeback, and they are expected to continue managing his workload as he ramps back up.

Even with that strong return, the Warriors are approaching his minutes with caution. The NBA team is prioritizing his health ahead of the Play-In Tournament, gradually increasing his time on the floor.

How and when did Stephen Curry get injured?

Stephen Curry suffered his injury in late January, dealing with a persistent right knee issue diagnosed as patellofemoral pain syndrome that sidelined him for over a month and forced him to miss 27 games before returning in early April.

His injury dates back to late January, when he began experiencing discomfort in his right knee and attempted to play through it before being ruled out. The condition—commonly known as “runner’s knee”—causes pain and swelling around the kneecap, making it difficult to maintain explosiveness and mobility.

As the issue worsened, the Golden State Warriors shut him down completely after January 30, beginning a long recovery process. He underwent multiple evaluations, with MRIs showing no structural damage but continued inflammation and discomfort, which delayed his return multiple times.

How has Stephen Curry performed this season?

Stephen Curry has averaged around 27.2 points and 4.8 assists per game this season, remaining one of the NBA’s top offensive players despite his injury setbacks. He was once again performing at an elite level, leading the team offensively and maintaining one of the highest scoring averages of his career.

His 27+ points per game place him among the league’s top scorers, highlighting his continued impact even in his late 30s. His absence, however, significantly affected the team’s performance.

Without him, the franchise struggled to find consistent scoring and went 9–18 during the stretch he was sidelined, underscoring just how vital he is to the Warriors’ system and overall competitiveness.

Since returning, he has quickly reminded everyone of his value. In his first game back, he scored 29 points in just 26 minutes, showing efficiency and rhythm. The Warriors are now focused on gradually increasing his minutes.