The Golden State Warriors have fallen back down to earth after their hot start to the season. Although still sitting at the fourth seed in the West, the news of a De’Anthony Melton injury started a slew of tough losses that put them on their heels. They have also lost four in a row. On top of that, the Warriors’ schedule isn’t getting any easier, which makes the recent Stephen Curry injury news all the more worrying. Two games ago, Curry sat out due to bilateral knee tendinitis, and although he returned the next game, he recently revealed that this may be something he has to deal with all season long.
Warriors News on a Stephen Curry Injury Could be Dangerous
Stephen Curry’s Injury Causes A Stir
Curry recently spoke on his recent knee injury that held him out of the Oklahoma City Thunder game. He told reporters that it
“has the potential to be like a nagging type of thing if you don’t take care of it, thankfully Rick has been great trying to give me a protocol to kind of stick with on a day-to-day and knowing that’s something I can get ahead of and not chase throughout the year, which is the plan.”
He later stated that he isn’t “worried” or “concerned about it at all”. Still, anything surrounding a nagging injury is a cause for concern. Curry lessened some of that concern by returning to the lineup against the Phoenix Suns, scoring 23 points in 32 minutes. Curry started slow, missing his first five shots, but found his rhythm in the third quarter. It still wasn’t enough for the Warriors to grab a much-needed victory.
Steph Curry’s bilateral knee tendinitis is something he hasn’t dealt with before.
“It has the potential to be a nagging type thing if you don’t take care of it.”
“The deeper into your career, the more things pop up.”
Full soundbite pic.twitter.com/BAfrHwGLLx
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 1, 2024
Curry’s Minutes Already Being Monitored
Coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors’ coaching staff are already monitoring Curry’s minutes. Kerr prefers limiting him to around 32 minutes per game and avoiding extended stints to keep him fresh for the end of games.
This strategy has been criticized by some Warriors fans as the Warriors have blown multiple large leads with Curry sitting on the bench. Additionally, the team has been playing a 12-man rotation aimed at distributing playing time and reducing strain on veterans like Curry and Draymond Green.
Who Can Step Up?
If this Curry injury causes him to periodically miss time during the season, the Warriors will desperately need some help on the offensive end. The Melton injury has put the Warriors down a ball-handling creator. Without Curry on the floor, the Warriors have had some issues getting their offense flowing.
The resurgence of Andrew Wiggins has been key to the Warriors offense. That being said, the Warriors need Wiggins to carry a huge load on the defensive side of the floor. So, relying too heavily on his offense could be dangerous.
WHAT A PLAY BY BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI FOR THE JONATHAN KUMINGA SLAM
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 16, 2024
Even with Curry in the lineup, the Warriors are aching for one of their young players to take an offensive leap. Brandin Podziemski showed flashes in his rookie season but hasn’t been able to find his shot yet this year. Kerr has given him a larger role over the last two games. He has responded well, scoring 12 points in each and averaging 4.5 assists. Jonathan Kuminga also has room to improve, he is averaging only 13.5 points this season compared to last year’s 16.1.
If Curry’s bilateral knee tendinitis remains an issue, the Warriors are in trouble. However, at least they have two young players who have largely underperformed this year and may be ready to step up.
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