Stephen Curry to Miss Next Two Warriors Games with Ankle Injury \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will miss at least the next two games due to a left ankle injury suffered during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. An MRI revealed no structural damage but identified a peroneal strain, and Curry is scheduled for reevaluation on Friday. The Warriors face the Pelicans in two home games before their Saturday matchup against Houston.
Stephen Curry’s Ankle Injury Update: Key Points
- Injury Diagnosis: Curry’s MRI confirms a left peroneal strain with no structural damage, requiring a Friday reevaluation.
- Game Absence: Curry will miss Golden State’s back-to-back games against New Orleans and possibly Saturday’s game against Houston.
- Incident Details: Curry initially hurt his ankle in the third quarter against the Clippers, briefly returned, then exited for good in the fourth.
- Career-Long Ankle Issues: Known for recurring ankle injuries, Curry exited with 18 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
- Additional Injuries: Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton also strained his lower back and will be reevaluated on Friday.
Deep Look
Curry’s injury occurred in the fourth quarter of the Warriors’ 112-104 loss to the Clippers. With 7:55 remaining, Curry took a defensive stance near the key when his ankle appeared to roll outward as he cut towards the baseline while being guarded by Clippers’ Kris Dunn. He immediately limped off the court, heading down the tunnel to the locker room and signaling an end to his night. Prior to the final injury, Curry had initially hobbled off the court late in the third quarter, where he sat out the rest of the period, only to briefly re-enter in the fourth before the reinjury forced him out for good.
In his 36th year and entering his 16th NBA season, Curry has dealt with persistent ankle issues, which have occasionally sidelined him over his career. Known as the NBA’s all-time 3-point leader and a two-time MVP, his absence will be felt keenly as the Warriors look to stay competitive in a packed Western Conference. Curry’s performance before the injury—18 points, six assists, and four rebounds on 6-of-11 shooting, including four successful 3-pointers—showed his continued efficiency as a scorer and playmaker. However, his recurring ankle issues raise concerns about his long-term durability as the Warriors seek another playoff run with Curry at the helm.
The Team’s Reaction and Adjustments
“We’ve been here before,” Kerr said during a press conference. “Losing Steph is never easy, but we have a roster of guys ready to step up. It’s early in the season, and we’re taking every precaution to make sure he recovers fully before he’s back on the court.”
The upcoming stretch of games includes two matchups against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a Saturday road game against the Houston Rockets. The Warriors’ Friday reevaluation of Curry will determine his availability for the weekend, but there’s a possibility he may need more time for a complete recovery, especially given his history with ankle issues.
Longstanding Ankle Concerns and Recovery
Curry’s left peroneal strain is the latest in a long line of ankle-related injuries. Early in his career, Curry’s ankles were a frequent source of trouble, prompting two surgeries in the 2011-2012 season to stabilize his ankles and allow for a more consistent presence on the court. These issues had largely been managed in recent years, but occasional flare-ups have sidelined him briefly each season. The peroneal strain, which affects the muscles around the outside of the ankle, typically requires rest and careful rehabilitation, though the absence of structural damage is encouraging for a prompt return.
With Curry in his mid-thirties, the Warriors are likely to handle his injury with extra caution, given his importance to the team and his long-term health. Curry’s offseason routine includes ankle-strengthening exercises, and he has worked closely with the Warriors’ training staff to prevent recurrence. His strict regimen has helped him maintain high performance levels, but the team remains cautious, especially as they aim for another playoff run.
Melton Also Out with Lower Back Strain
Preparing for Upcoming Games Without Curry
The Warriors’ immediate task is preparing for a New Orleans Pelicans team that has started the season strong. With key players like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans present a formidable challenge, especially with Golden State’s backcourt rotation in flux due to Curry’s and Melton’s injuries. Jordan Poole and Moses Moody will likely see more significant minutes, with Poole stepping up as a primary ball handler in Curry’s absence.
Warriors fans are undoubtedly hoping for Curry’s swift return, with some optimism stemming from the fact that no structural damage was detected. However, given Curry’s critical role, the team will likely prioritize a thorough recovery over a rushed return, even if it means an extended absence for their superstar.
The Warriors have long known the challenges of managing a season without one of their biggest stars and are likely to lean heavily on veteran players for leadership. Meanwhile, the younger bench players, including Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, will get a chance to prove themselves in higher-stakes scenarios. Kerr’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes adaptability, will be tested as the Warriors seek to maintain their competitive edge during Curry’s recovery.
Looking Ahead
Golden State’s emphasis on long-term goals, particularly in the Western Conference race, means that while his absence will be felt, the team will continue to prioritize the well-being of their franchise player. The Warriors’ lineup adjustments this week may provide a preview of how they’ll approach games when facing unforeseen setbacks. For now, Golden State remains focused on keeping Curry healthy, while also preparing to face a competitive Pelicans team without two key players.
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