Golden State Warriors fans were left holding their breath during the team’s 112-104 loss to the LA Clippers on Sunday night as star guard Stephen Curry exited the game in the fourth quarter due to a left ankle sprain. Curry, who has dealt with multiple ankle injuries throughout his career, initially described the injury as “mild or moderate,” according to head coach Steve Kerr. However, the team is preparing for the possibility that Curry may miss several upcoming games.
Curry’s injury came at a critical point for the Warriors, a team with championship aspirations for the 2024-2025 NBA season. Although the initial outlook suggests Curry’s sprain is not severe, his past struggles with ankle issues have created concern. As the team waits for the results of an MRI, expected to clarify the extent of the injury, Golden State is preparing to move forward without their floor general.
The Moment of Injury
Curry first rolled his left ankle late in the third quarter. After the incident, he limped off the court and was immediately attended to by athletic trainer Drew Yoder on the sidelines. Although Curry attempted to stretch out his ankle and was later able to reenter the game in the fourth quarter, it was clear he was not at full strength. Only seconds after returning to the court, Curry aggravated the injury while fighting through a screen. This time, he had to leave the game for good, escorted to the locker room by teammate Gary Payton II, walking with a noticeable limp.
Curry finished the game with 18 points, six assists, and four 3-pointers on 6-of-11 shooting. Despite the strong performance, his early exit sent shockwaves through the Warriors’ camp and raised concerns about his availability moving forward.
Kerr’s Reaction and Plans for Curry’s Absence
After the game, Steve Kerr spoke about the situation, expressing a mix of concern and optimism. “Steph said the injury felt mild to moderate,” Kerr noted, but he acknowledged the team’s precautionary approach given Curry’s history of ankle injuries. Curry has previously missed time with similar issues, and the Warriors are bracing for a potential absence.
Still, Kerr remains confident in the depth of his squad, stating, “I feel more comfortable that we can withstand an absence offensively without Steph because of [our] depth.”
This depth will be key as the Warriors look to navigate any time Curry might miss. The team boasts a talented roster capable of stepping up, but there’s no doubt Curry’s absence will leave a void in terms of leadership, scoring, and playmaking.
Who Will Step Up in Curry’s Absence?
If Stephen Curry is sidelined, the Warriors will need to adjust their offensive strategy. Several players are expected to take on increased responsibilities, both in scoring and facilitating the offense. Here’s a look at the key figures who could fill the void:
Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield, who has been a strong contributor off the bench as the Warriors’ sixth man, will likely see an increased role in Curry’s absence. Hield has been averaging 19 points per game in just over 20 minutes of playing time, shooting an impressive 53% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down timely 3-pointers will be crucial for the Warriors to maintain their offensive rhythm without Curry.
“I feel like it’ll be a great challenge,” Hield said when asked about the prospect of playing without Curry. “We’ve got to stick together and make sure we handle business.”
Hield’s shooting prowess makes him a natural candidate to absorb some of Curry’s offensive production, especially from long range. He will need to play a more prominent role in initiating the offense, working alongside primary ball-handlers like Chris Paul to ensure the Warriors’ offense remains potent.
Andrew Wiggins
Another key player expected to step up is Andrew Wiggins, who has been off to a fantastic start this season. Wiggins delivered a standout performance against the Clippers, finishing with 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. Kerr highlighted Wiggins as an “obvious candidate” to take on more offensive responsibility, especially given his ability to score from multiple spots on the floor.
“Wiggs is off to a great start and had a great night,” Kerr said. “He’s a player who can take on more of the offensive load.”
Wiggins has shown the ability to be a high-volume scorer in the past, particularly during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run. If Curry misses time, Wiggins will need to assert himself as a primary scorer, using his versatility to attack from inside the paint and from beyond the arc.
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Chris Paul’s Leadership
Veteran point guard Chris Paul will also play a critical role in stabilizing the team during Curry’s absence. While Paul was brought in to complement Curry, he may now need to take over as the team’s primary playmaker. Paul’s ability to manage the game, facilitate for others, and provide veteran leadership will be crucial as the Warriors navigate a difficult stretch without their superstar.
Paul has already shown he can handle the responsibility, and his experience will be invaluable in keeping the team organized on both ends of the court. His partnership with Hield and Wiggins will be essential in maintaining the Warriors’ offensive flow.
Can always rely on Steph for creativity with the ball pic.twitter.com/5Qq2yinq8u
— NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2024
The Road Ahead for the Warriors
With Curry’s status up in the air, the Warriors face a challenging stretch in the coming weeks. The team is still waiting on the results of his MRI, but they are preparing for the possibility that Curry could miss several games. Golden State will need to rely on its depth and the contributions of its key players to stay competitive in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
The Warriors have championship aspirations this season, and while an injury to their star player is a setback, the team has the talent and depth to withstand his absence. Steve Kerr’s confidence in the roster’s ability to compensate for Curry’s potential absence is a testament to the depth and versatility of the squad.
In the meantime, fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Curry’s condition. The hope is that his injury is not severe and that he will return to action soon. However, the Warriors are prepared to step up in his absence and keep their championship dreams alive.
A Test of Depth for Golden State
The Golden State Warriors are undoubtedly facing a significant challenge with Stephen Curry’s ankle injury, but they are well-equipped to navigate this adversity. With players like Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins, and Chris Paul stepping up, the team will look to maintain their momentum in Curry’s absence.
The next few games will be a test of the Warriors’ depth, resilience, and ability to adapt without their star player. While losing Curry, even for a short period, is a blow, Golden State remains a formidable force in the NBA, ready to compete at the highest level.
