The Golden State Warriors faithful can breathe a sigh of relief as their superstar point guard, Stephen Curry, made his much-anticipated return from an ankle injury in style. Curry, who had missed the Warriors’ previous three games due to a strained peroneal in his left ankle, wasted no time in reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Curry’s Triumphant Return
In a matchup against the Washington Wizards at the Capital One Arena, Curry came off the bench to start the second half but still managed to put up an impressive stat line. The two-time MVP scored 24 points in just 24 minutes of action, shooting 7-of-15 from the field, including four 3-pointers. He also dished out six assists, helping the Warriors secure a 125-112 victory and improve their record to an impressive 6-1.
According to a source close to the team, Curry’s return provided a much-needed boost to the Warriors’ offense, which had struggled at times during his absence. His ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities for his teammates was on full display, as the Warriors shot a blistering 52.4% from the field and 45.7% from beyond the arc.
“Steph was great,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said after the game. “The main thing, he just looked like he was moving really well and looked strong and played a great game in his 24 minutes.”
The Road Ahead
While Curry’s return is undoubtedly a positive development for the Warriors, the team remains cautious about his workload moving forward. With a highly anticipated rematch of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics looming on Wednesday, the Warriors are hoping to have their star point guard at full strength.
Curry himself addressed his minutes restriction and the importance of getting through the game against the Wizards unscathed.
“That’s why this was important to get through this game,” Curry said. “Where I could play aggressively, but it wasn’t stretching to too many minutes. But the rest of this road trip is tough. We got three tough teams, and we want to keep building momentum so I’m sure I’ll play more, but I feel good enough to do it.”
The Warriors’ upcoming road trip will indeed be a test for the team, as they face off against the Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Oklahoma City Thunder. With each of these teams presenting unique challenges, having a healthy and productive Curry will be essential to the Warriors’ success.
Learning from the Past
Curry’s ankle injury occurred during a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on October 27th, where he initially rolled his ankle, came out of the game, and then attempted to play again before tweaking it further and leaving for good. The two-time MVP acknowledged his misjudgment in trying to play through the injury, stating:
“I’ve been through plenty of those episodes, and I know whether it’s something I can play on or not. I made a misjudgment on that one. The adrenaline got the best of me, but thankfully it was only a little over a week and I feel good now.”
Curry’s experience with ankle injuries throughout his career has made him more attuned to his body and the importance of proper recovery. As the Warriors navigate the challenges of the regular season and prepare for another potential championship run, having a healthy and mindful Curry leading the charge will be crucial.
The Warrior Way
The Warriors’ ability to maintain a winning record despite Curry’s absence is a testament to the team’s depth and resilience. With a roster featuring talented players like Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Jordan Poole, the Warriors have shown that they can weather the storm when their star player is sidelined.
However, there’s no denying that Curry’s presence on the court elevates the Warriors to another level. His gravity, leadership, and unparalleled shooting ability make him the engine that drives the team’s success. As the Warriors continue their quest for another championship, having a healthy and motivated Curry leading the way will be essential.
The Road to Redemption
For Curry and the Warriors, the upcoming matchup against the Celtics represents an opportunity for redemption. After falling to Boston in the 2022 NBA Finals, the Warriors will be looking to make a statement and prove that they are still the team to beat in the league.
With Curry back in the lineup and the team firing on all cylinders, the Warriors have every reason to believe that they can come out on top in this highly anticipated rematch. As the NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Curry and the Warriors as they look to cement their legacy as one of the greatest dynasties in basketball history.
