Stephen Curry Relieved After Impressive Return to Warriors Following Injury Scare
Stephen Curry made a triumphant return to the Golden State Warriors after a two-game absence, contributing significantly to their 111-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The 35-year-old guard, who had been sidelined due to a pelvic contusion, expressed relief at avoiding a more severe injury. His performance on the court showed little signs of rust, as he scored 23 points, including five three-pointers, in 34 minutes of action. Despite shooting just 7-for-21 from the field, Curry’s efforts were instrumental in the Warriors bouncing back from two straight losses in his absence.
Curry’s injury scare came when he suffered a fall during a game against the Toronto Raptors. There were initial concerns that he might have sustained a hairline fracture in his tailbone, a fear stemming from a similar injury he suffered in 2021. However, after undergoing tests, it was confirmed that he had only sustained a deep contusion, which, while painful, did not require a lengthy recovery period. Reflecting on the scare, Curry commented, “It just reminded me of ’21 when I fell into the stairs in Houston.” He added that while the injury was painful, it wasn’t severe enough to keep him off the court for long.
Despite the setback, Curry was eager to get back to playing. “I felt good before it [the injury]. I mean, I know there’s all that talk with the volume or the load that I’ve been through,” he said, remaining optimistic about the remainder of the season. With only nine games left in the regular season, Curry emphasized the importance of securing as many wins as possible to finish strong and maintain a solid playoff position.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was pleased with Curry’s performance in his first game back. “I thought he looked great,” Kerr remarked. While Curry missed several late three-point attempts, Kerr believed that Curry’s week off had been beneficial, allowing him to regain his energy and form.
In addition to Curry’s return, Jimmy Butler added 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jonathan Kuminga contributed 16 points, helping the Warriors secure the win against a depleted Pelicans team. The Warriors are currently seventh in the Western Conference with a 42-31 record, and with a crucial six-game road trip upcoming, including a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, the team will look to build on this victory.
As Golden State aims for a top-six seeding in the Western Conference and a strong playoff push, Curry’s return to form will be a key factor in their success. With the playoffs looming, the Warriors are determined to make the most of their remaining regular-season games and continue their pursuit of another NBA championship.