One of the best things that could have happened to the Golden State Warriors is the arrival of the NBA All-Star break at this moment. After the injury to Jimmy Butler, their entire outlook has changed, and they are trying to keep Stephen Curry in the best possible condition to finish the season strong, something the veteran guard clearly understands.
As Curry continues to deal with the knee issue, team reporter Nick Friedell provides insight into the mindset of the franchise star during this stretch. According to Friedell, who cited conversations on The Athletic, Curry is fully aware much of the sports world has already counted Golden State out, and he is gearing himself up for a playoff push. “And the thing that makes me interested in this last stretch of games is Steph is well aware that everybody’s written them off,” Friedell said, via 95.7 The Game.
“That’s one of the most competitive dudes I’ve ever seen. He knows that everybody’s sitting there going, ‘He can’t make anything happen this year.’ Again, that doesn’t mean they’re going to make some insane run to the Finals. What it does mean is he’s gearing himself up to make that push in the playoffs, because we all agree he doesn’t have that many left.”
While the Warriors moved pieces around the roster, the formula still revolves around their featured star. Curry is averaging 27.2 points per game, shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three, production that remains essential if Golden State are going to stay in the race.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors during the 74th NBA All-Star Game.
Curry’s return is expected after the All-Star break
When it comes to the knee injury, fans are waiting for positive news, and so are the Warriors. They have managed to navigate his absence, but it has been evident that something is missing. Friedell also addressed what the team’s approach will look like over the break.
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“Specific to the knee, I do think they’re concerned. It’s why they put and kept him out for two weeks now. They want to make sure that when he gets back, this isn’t a recurring issue. The problem is that you just don’t know how it’s going to be until he starts running around again,” Friedell said.
Curry and the Warriors receive much-needed rest with the team sitting at 29-26, eighth in the NBA Western Conference, still in the fight for a direct playoff spot but facing a difficult road ahead.
