The NBA playoffs are officially set following a lopsided Play-In finale. In the East, Paolo Banchero showcased why he’s the cornerstone of the Orlando Magic, dropping 25 points in a 121-90 blowout of the Charlotte Hornets. The game was essentially decided by halftime, with Orlando carrying a 30-point cushion into the locker room; they now move on to challenge the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.
In the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns punched their ticket to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder after dismantling the Golden State Warriors 111-96. While Jalen Green had a night to remember with 36 points, the story in the Bay Area was much darker. Stephen Curry struggled significantly, finishing with just 17 points on a brutal 4-of-16 (25%) shooting performance. The loss doesn’t just end the season, it cements a piece of history Curry would rather forget.
Stephen Curry Ties Unwanted NBA History: Comparing MVPs Who Missed the Postseason
For the second time in three seasons, the Golden State Warriors find themselves on the outside looking in. This year was particularly grueling for the Dubs, plagued by a rotating door of injuries to stars like Jimmy Butler and Curry himself. Stephen Curry was limited to just 43 games, his lowest total since the 2019-20 season, which directly translated to a dismal 37-win season.
However, the bigger narrative is the milestone this absence marks. In his 17-season career, Curry has now missed the NBA playoffs seven times. This ties him for the most missed postseasons by a former NBA MVP in history, sharing the spot with Derrick Rose (8 appearances in 15 seasons), Kevin Garnett (14 in 21), and the legendary Moses Malone (12 in 19).
While Curry’s early career featured a slow burn, not making the playoffs until his fourth year, the middle of his journey was defined by an unprecedented dynasty. He led the Warriors to five consecutive NBA Finals and six appearances in eight years, securing four NBA championships.
Now, at 38 years old, Curry is clearly in the twilight of his career. The Warriors’ front office faces a massive task this offseason: they must rebuild the roster to avoid wasting the final years of the greatest shooter in history. The loss of a secondary scorer like Jimmy Butler to a season-ending injury was devastating, but the lack of depth surrounding Curry made the 2026 campaign look far below championship standards.
The Greatest Shooter Ever: Career Stats and All-Time Records for Stephen Curry
Despite the sting of missing the 2026 postseason, Curry’s resume remains untouchable. He has fundamentally changed the way basketball is played, and his statistical footprint is the ultimate testament to his dominance. As he prepares for what could be his 18th season, here is where the “Chef” stands in the NBA record books:
- All-Time 3-Pointers Made: Curry holds the record for the most career three-pointers in both the regular season and playoffs, a number that continues to climb every night he suits up.
- MVP Honors: He remains the only unanimous MVP in NBA history (2015-16) and a two-time winner of the award.
- Scoring Titles: A two-time NBA Scoring Champion, proving he can carry an offensive load regardless of the defensive pressure.
- The 50-40-90 Club: One of the few elite members to shoot at least 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line in a single season.
- Finals MVP: Cemented his legacy with the 2022 Bill Russell Finals MVP award.
- Warriors Franchise Leader: Curry is the all-time leader for Golden State in points, assists, steals, and games played.
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