Stephen Curry‘s recurring knee issues, diagnosed as bilateral knee tendinitis, have forced the Golden State Warriors to make tough decisions about his playing time. The latest example of this cautious approach came in Tuesday’s game against the Utah Jazz.
Curry was sidelined, not due to a new injury, but as part of a proactive plan to keep him fresh. With a congested schedule looming, including a crucial matchup against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, the Warriors opted for prevention over immediate gain.
“With the back-to-back, we’re hopeful that he’ll play tomorrow. It felt like with three games in the next four nights with his knees where they are, let’s be smart about it and go from there,” Kerr explained, highlighting the team’s focus on the bigger picture.
The OKC game is clearly a priority, and the coaching staff is determined to have Curry available for that pivotal contest.
Curry has battled knee problems throughout the season, causing him to miss several games. While he’s been a force when on the court, averaging 22.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 37 games, his availability has been a constant question mark. The team is acutely aware of his importance, not just for scoring, but for the overall rhythm and flow of their offense.
The Warriors’ current predicament is further complicated by a spate of other injuries. Key contributors such as Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green have also been sidelined, putting added pressure on the remaining players and making Curry‘s presence even more vital.
The team’s recent performance reflects these challenges, having lost four of their last seven games, leaving them with a precarious 22-23 record.
Pushing Curry too hard could lead to a more serious injury, jeopardizing their chances for a deep playoff run. It’s a high-stakes gamble, and the coaching staff must carefully weigh the risks and rewards.
“We take it day-to-day, week-to-week, and it made sense to give him the night off and try to get him right for the rest of the week,” Kerr said, emphasizing the fluid nature of the decision-making process.