The Warriors lost talisman Steph Curry in the fourth quarter of their game with the Clippers, and the prognosis for the 36-year-old point guard is worrying
Curry then left the game and had difficulty walking to the sidelines where he received attention from the team’s physiotherapist. After using a resistance band to stretch out his ankle, the point guard thought he was ready to get back into the game.
However, four minutes into the fourth quarter, Curry exacerbated the ankle injury and had to end his game as he headed to the locker room. Post-game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr informed reporters that Curry was doing “ok” but did disclose that he would undergo an MRI scan.
“He’s doing ok,” Kerr said, as per ESPN. “He (Curry) used the word ‘mild’ or ‘moderate’ – he’s obviously sprained that ankle many times before. He doesn’t think it’s too bad. But obviously, it’s a concern.”
Concerns are now mounting for the 10-time All-Star who has a history of multiple sprains on the same left ankle. NBA analyst and former Indiana Pacers forward Sam Mitchell echoed these worries, suggesting that the Warriors could face significant challenges without their star player this season, reports the Irish Star.
Steph Curry pulls up during the game against the Clippers
Mitchell said: “He’s the guy that goes and creates shots for everyone because when he comes off that screen he’s going to get double, he’s always going to have three people around him and create shots, but if he goes down, who’s your guy? Who’s your point guard? Who’s your best shooter? Who’s your number one scorer?
“He’s all those things and so, I just can’t see them winning, hardly at all, without Steph Curry. How are you going to make the offense flow? Because the way their offense is designed, he has to be on the floor to make it work.”
The absence of Curry is expected to hit the Warriors hard, particularly after their impressive start to the 2024/25 season, which saw them secure big wins against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz before the unfortunate game against the Clippers on Sunday.
Despite the setback, not everything looks bleak for Kerr’s squad as the Warriors did pull off a notable 11-9 record in the absence of Curry last season due to his injuries. However, post-game, shooter Buddy Hield acknowledged the difficulty ahead, admitting to ESPN that “it’ll be a great challenge” without Curry’s presence on the court.
Hield’s words underscore the size of the task facing the team and they will now have to navigate their games minus their iconic point guard. Especially after Curry dazzled in just 27 minutes before leaving the game against the Clippers with an impressive tally of 18 points, six assists and four rebounds.
The Warriors are back in action on Tuesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center. Although they’ll be without their main man for the clash and could be for some time yet.