The Golden State Warriors are navigating the early season without their star point guard Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined with a left peroneal strain. Curry, who suffered the injury in an October 27 matchup against the LA Clippers, has been listed as questionable for the Warriors' upcoming game against the Washington Wizards. The injury, which initially occurred during the third quarter and worsened as the game progressed, has kept fans and the team on edge about the timeline for Curry's return.
The Warriors, however, have managed to maintain their stature as one of the NBA's top teams despite Curry's absence. Since the injury, the team has gone on a winning streak, securing all three games without him and posting a remarkable 5-1 record in his absence. This success has been underpinned by strong performances from players stepping up in Curry's role. Brandin Podziemski and Draymond Green have admirably taken over playmaking duties, while other players have risen to the occasion to keep the team afloat.
Particularly noteworthy has been Buddy Hield’s offensive contribution, who is averaging over 25 points per game since Curry has been off the court. Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga has chipped in with an average of 19 points per game while shooting at an impressive 51% clip. These efforts have not only kept the Warriors competitive but have also propelled them to the best net rating in the NBA, at plus-17.6.
Looking ahead, the Warriors are set to face tough competition with upcoming games against the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team's depth will be tested, but recent performances provide hope that the Warriors can continue their strong season start even amidst adversity.
In the meantime, Curry has been cleared to participate in certain practice sessions, a positive sign for the Warriors and their fans. Speaking about Curry's recent workouts, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr noted, "Looks good," before adding, "But it's all about how the ankle feels after the workout tomorrow. So we'll see." The cautious optimism from the coaching staff underscores the delicate balance of pushing Curry back onto the court while ensuring his long-term health is not compromised. Kerr added, "He's obviously sprained the ankle many times before, so he doesn't think it's too bad. But obviously, you know, it's a concern." Given Curry’s history with ankle injuries, the Warriors are understandably deliberate in their approach to his recovery.
Despite Curry's absence, the Warriors' ability to adapt demonstrates their depth and resilience. As Podziemski, Green, Hield, and Kuminga continue to elevate their games, the Warriors prove they are not solely reliant on their star guard to find success. This period might also serve as a developmental opportunity for other players to emerge as critical factors in the team's ongoing success. While the wait continues for Curry’s return, the Warriors’ collective strength paints a promising picture for their aspirations this season.
Stephen Curry’s health will undoubtedly remain a focal point for the Warriors and their supporters as they navigate a challenging schedule. However, their impressive net rating and solid team performances suggest that they are far from solely resting on past laurels. As the Warriors continue to challenge their limits, Curry's eventual return promises to add even more firepower to an already formidable squad.