Nov 4, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) wipes his face after their game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Charles Barkley Makes Blunt Steph Curry Statement Before Warriors-Rockets

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Apr 20, 2025 10:16 PM ET

On Sunday night, the Golden State Warriors are playing the Houston Rockets (in Texas) for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

Before the game, Charles Barkley revealed that he is picking the Rockets to win the series.

The Basketball Hall of Famer also made a blunt statement about Steph Curry.

Barkley (h/t NBA on TNT): "I already picked the Rockets to win this series... I just think the Rockets got more talent. Plain and simple. I think the home court is going to be the difference in this series. I think the energy level that Steph is going to have to put forward, I don't know if he can sustain it for seven games. I really don't... It's going to be a long series, but I like the Rockets."

"The energy level that Steph is gonna have to put forward... I don't know if he can sustain it for 7 games" pic.twitter.com/VwP4W4eAIE
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 21, 2025

At 37, Curry has still been playing like a guard who is in his prime.

The two-time MVP finished the regular season with outstanding averages of 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 44.8% from the field and 39.7% from the three-point range in 70 games.

Via @StatMamba (on April 9): "Steph Curry is still the most efficient 25-PPG scorer in the entire NBA since All-Star break.

26.7 PPG on 66.0% TS"

Steph Curry is still the most efficient 25-PPG scorer in the entire NBA since All-Star break.

26.7 PPG on 66.0% TS pic.twitter.com/4p1NeUf3Wl
— Polymarket Hoops (@StatMamba) April 9, 2025