The Golden State Warriors’ preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers is missing a key player: Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP and reigning NBA Finals MVP is sidelined after spraining his right index finger during Thursday’s practice, leaving his status for the regular season opener in question.
Steph’s Finger Injury Clouds Warriors’ Final Tune-Up
According to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Curry sustained the injury when his finger got caught in a jersey during practice. While Kerr doesn’t believe the sprain is severe, he opted to hold Curry out of Friday’s matchup with the Lakers as a precautionary measure.
The timing is less than ideal for the Warriors, who were hoping to use the preseason finale as a dress rehearsal for their anticipated starting lineup. Kerr had big plans for this game:
Originally, I wanted Friday’s preseason game to be a dress rehearsal for opening night. However, with Curry unavailable I plan to tinker more with the lineups and rotations as I continue to try and find my starting group.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr on impact of Curry’s absence
Curry’s injury isn’t entirely new. He initially sprained the same finger on October 11th against the Sacramento Kings and subsequently sat out the following game. As recently as Tuesday, the sharpshooter admitted he was still experiencing some discomfort but suited up against the Lakers anyway.
In a somewhat encouraging sign, Curry started that contest with his finger wrapped but eventually removed the bandage midway through the third quarter. Still, the fact that he re-aggravated the injury in practice is concerning with the regular season just days away.
Kerr Optimistic About Curry’s Opening Night Availability
Despite the setback, Coach Kerr struck an optimistic tone when discussing Curry’s prospects for suiting up in the Warriors’ season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers next Wednesday.
“I don’t believe the injury is too serious,” Kerr told reporters. “We expect Steph to be available on opening night next Wednesday against the Trail Blazers.”
Curry’s track record suggests he has a good chance to be on the court when the games start to count. The eight-time All-Star has been incredibly durable over his 13-year career, appearing in at least 63 games in every season except for the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign.
Uncertainty Lingers as Regular Season Looms
While Kerr’s comments provide a glimmer of hope, the reality is that Curry’s status for the opener remains up in the air. Finger injuries can be tricky, especially for a player like Curry who relies so heavily on his shooting touch.
If Curry is limited or unavailable, the Warriors will need their other stars to step up. All-Stars Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins will be called upon to shoulder more of the offensive load, while Draymond Green’s playmaking and Jordan Poole’s microwave scoring could become even more vital.
The Warriors undoubtedly need a healthy Curry to be at their best, but they’ve also proven to be incredibly resilient in the face of adversity. With a roster stacked with championship experience and elite talent, Golden State has the depth to weather the storm if their franchise player misses time.
An Intriguing Storyline in a Fascinating Matchup
Curry’s injury adds an extra layer of intrigue to what was already a must-watch matchup between the Warriors and Lakers. These two teams have quite a history, having met 12 times in the playoffs during the shot clock era.
While no longer the intense rivalry it was during the 1960s, when the teams met in the Finals six times in eight seasons, any clash between these storied franchises tends to be appointment viewing for NBA fans, even in the preseason.
If Curry plays, it will be fascinating to see him match up with new Lakers point guard Dennis Schroder, a pesky defender with a knack for giving elite offensive players fits.
Should Curry sit out, the battle between each team’s bench units could take center stage. The Warriors’ second unit, led by the likes of Jordan Poole, JaMychal Green, and James Wiseman, will look to exploit a thin Lakers reserve corps and stake their claim in the ongoing battle for rotation spots.
An Early Test of the Warriors’ Resilience
Ultimately, while it’s never ideal to have your best player banged up on the eve of a new season, the Warriors are uniquely equipped to handle this type of adversity. Steve Kerr is a master of making adjustments on the fly, and the team’s “Strength in Numbers” ethos has been the backbone of their dynastic run.
Still, there’s no denying that a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Warriors as they wrap up their preseason slate. The hope is that Curry’s finger will heal quickly and he’ll be on the court leading the charge next Wednesday. But if not, Golden State will face an early test of the resilience and “next man up” mentality that has defined their incredible success over the past decade.
As the anticipation builds for another NBA season, all eyes will be on the Warriors and their transcendent star. Will Steph Curry be ready to shoot the lights out on opening night, or will his injury linger and force Golden State to find other ways to win? It’s just one of the many compelling storylines to follow as the league springs back to life for the 2024-25 campaign.
