Coach Steve Kerr provided an update on Curry’s process as he returned from the knee injury. “Kerr says Steph is feeling good the first day after his first game back. He’ll be right around 25 minutes again tomorrow,” Nick Friedell wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Kerr says the hope is to ramp him up a little more by the end of the week. They still haven’t decided which side of back-to-back Steph will sit.”

In the loss to the Rockets, Stephen Curry came off the bench and played 29 minutes, recording a team-high 29 points on 11-21 shooting from the field, along with four assists, two rebounds, and a steal.

How Curry felt in his return

Stephen Curry now has to focus on regaining rhythm and taking care of his body ahead of the play-in race, which will not be easy and would be a consecutive scenario considering they were in the same position last year.

If there was one thing for sure in the loss to Houston, the Golden State Warriors were energized to have their top player back, though there was some rust early on, as Curry admitted.

“First run was tough. Second run was great,” Curry said after the game, according to Kenzo Fukada. “It’s not as much rust as it’s the endurance. Kind of picking and choosing a little bit of your spots to maintain. It’s not like you’re going 100 miles per hour the whole time. I’m just feeling it out. But after I traveled and got my shot blocked, the first two possessions, I kind of settled in.”

Curry looks to continue ramping up his recovery in Golden State’s next NBA game on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings. It is already difficult for the Warriors to push for the eighth seed, trying to avoid a first-round matchup against the Thunder if they get through the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns, or Los Angeles Clippers.

According to Kerr, Horford is set to ramp up his basketball activities over the next few days. The team is hopeful he can return to the floor by late this week.

If the timeline holds, the Warriors will finally have their veteran core—Curry, Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis—intact for the high-stakes final games of the regular season.

Stabilizing a shaky rotation

This “all hands on deck” scenario comes at a critical juncture for an organization that has struggled to find its footing lately. As the injury report grew, Kerr was forced to rely on deep-bench rotations and youth, a gamble that has yielded mixed results on the floor.

Horford’s season has been a stop-and-start affair; injuries have limited him to just half of the Warriors’ contests. While his raw stats (5.0 RPG, 1.2 BPG) might not jump off the page, his impact is measured in more than just box scores. His veteran presence and defensive IQ are exactly what a young, injury-riddled roster needs as the intensity ramps up for the postseason.

Horford’s impact

Despite the missed time, Horford remains the team’s most reliable defensive communicator. Even in limited action, he has tallied 50 blocks this season, proving he can still be the missing piece for a Warriors defense that has lacked consistent rim protection.

In a locker room full of young players forced into early minutes due to the team’s health woes, Horford’s experience is invaluable. He isn’t just a body on the floor; he’s the “coach on the court” for a team trying to survive the gauntlet of the Western Conference.

The final sprint

With a spot in the Play-In Tournament virtually locked in, the Warriors have four games remaining to fine-tune their chemistry. The goal is to have Horford active for at least the final two matchups to shake off any rust.

Golden State’s remaining schedule:

• April 7: vs. Sacramento Kings
• April 9: vs. Los Angeles Lakers
• April 10: at Sacramento Kings
• April 12: vs. L.A. Clippers

Injuries, however, aren’t the only thing keeping Kerr up at night. Following a tough loss to the Denver Nuggets, the veteran play-caller addressed the team’s persistent inability to maintain momentum after halftime.

“We’re playing a really solid half and then we just can’t sustain it. That’s where you really feel the injuries. You need more depth,” Kerr told reporters postgame.

The lack of reinforcements is becoming a crisis. Post joins a star-studded injury report that already includes Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry, the latter of whom Kerr admitted remains a major question mark for a return.

Mounting woes for Kerr’s rotation

Beyond the blown leads and the medical report, Kerr is managing a dip in production from De’Anthony Melton. The veteran guard went scoreless in Sunday’s contest against Denver, clearly hampered by a lingering physical issue.

“He’s banged up. His thumb is really bothering him and I think he’s pressing a bit,” Kerr remarked. “He’s dribbling into traffic… He’s had a great season. The last couple of games have been tough, but we’ll help him get right.”

Adding to the sideline drama, chemistry issues appeared to surface on the court. Kristaps Porzingis was visibly frustrated with Brandin Podziemski after the young guard missed the big man on a clear look in the paint, a sign of the growing tension as the losses pile up.

The final push: Playoff hopes fading?

With only seven games remaining on the schedule, the Warriors are facing a statistical uphill battle. Currently sitting at 36-39, Golden State is fighting to stay alive in the Western Conference playoff hunt, but the math is becoming increasingly unforgiving.

Here is the road ahead for the Warriors to close out the regular season, with no room for losing:

“I don’t know you, but I felt compelled to reach out after watching your leadership on display during the World Series,” Kerr wrote on the letter revealed by The Athletic. “The pain is real, but what survives tough losses is character and the connection to the group. The loss won’t define you, but the way you and your guys carried yourselves afterward will.”

In the fraternity of professional coaching, Kerr’s gesture stands as a rare cross-sport bridge, a nod of respect from a four-time NBA champion to a manager who brought the Fall Classic back to Canada.

Schneider’s culture of “obsession”

The letter arrived at a perfect time. While the Blue Jays entered 2026 with the weight of “unfinished business,” they haven’t let the hangover linger. Toronto is off to a scorching 3-0 start after sweeping the Oakland Athletics, and the clubhouse feels more locked-in than ever.

Much of that credit goes to Schneider’s ability to integrate new faces, specifically Japanese superstar Kazuma Okamoto. While adapting to a new league can be daunting, Okamoto has transitioned seamlessly into the Jays’ lineup, a testament to the environment Schneider has fostered.

“The expectations are through the roof because we know what we’re capable of now,” Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said through a translator. “John tells us every day: ‘Be obsessed with winning.’ He doesn’t let us dwell on last year. He’s been with us since the minors; he knows exactly how to push us.”

From the hot seat to the inner circle

It is a remarkable turnaround for a manager who, not long ago, was facing questions about his long-term future in Toronto. Schneider has silenced the critics not just through tactical shifts, but by managing the “human element” of the grind.

He has proven adept at maximizing his roster, consistently putting players in positions to succeed while maintaining a clubhouse that stays composed under the brightest lights.

With a talented, battle-tested roster and the respect of legendary peers like Warriors HC Kerr, Schneider has the Blue Jays positioned for another deep October run. This time, the goal isn’t just to carry themselves well, it’s to finish the job.

Kerr, in a press conference, addressed the harsh reality of the situation. “It hasn’t changed, but it’s actually a conversation now,” Kerr said. “The way I would phrase it is, we want to see him. [But] we’re not bringing him back [just] for the play in game. He needs to play some games, and we need to give him a runway if this is going to work. And we are running out of games.”

The Warriors have maintained two key points over the past month: there is no deadline for Curry to return before the team decides whether to shut him down, and Curry wants to come back, doing everything humanly possible to do so.

Last injury update for Curry

The Dubs’ franchise star received another update on the patella-femoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his right knee that has kept him out for 23 games and counting. The re-evaluation indicated that Curry continues to make “good” progress, but he will miss another week as the team aims to get him into a 5-on-5 scrimmage in the coming days.

This latest update raises questions about whether Curry will have enough time to make a proper return this season. Another week of recovery will leave Curry, at best, five games in the NBA regular season to ramp up for the Warriors’ play-in tournament game.

Curry’s ongoing struggle

These circumstances place Curry and the Warriors in a difficult position. In the same press conference, Kerr spoke about Curry’s mindset amid the uncertainty with his injury, showing that he remains a leader even while absent from the courts.

“He’s been, at times, frustrated,” Kerr said. “He’s in a good place right now. He’s encouraged. And you know, he’s such a competitor. This matters so much to him. He loves the game so much. He loves the process of preparing for the games.”

“[And] it means a lot to [the team]. You can see the emotion. We’re all really so lucky to have him, just because it’s great for the other guys to see how much it means to him.”

While Curry has ramped up individual on-court work, Kerr made it clear the team won’t greenlight a return until he is 100%.“If we don’t feel good about [his knee], then he’s not going to play,” Kerr said. “We’re not pushing him into anything if things aren’t really clear.”

Curry is dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome and a lingering bone bruise. While there is no structural damage, the recovery has been slow, and a return does not appear imminent.

The team is expected to re-evaluate the two-time MVP following its current road trip, with a potential target date in late March if his knee responds well to increased contact. Meanwhile, the Warriors need to deal with Moses Moody’s injury and Kerr fearing tangled scenarios.

Warriors reeling without their standard-bearer

The impact of Curry’s absence is written all over the standings. Since he went down on January 31, Golden State has stumbled to a 6-14 record, struggling to find offensive consistency.

The struggle has been most glaring on the road. The Warriors recently endured a grueling six-game road losing streak, dropping pivotal matchups in Boston, Atlanta, and Detroit.

At 33-38, the team is currently fighting to maintain its grip on the 10th seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the Play-In Tournament.

A growing injury report

Curry isn’t the only headache for the Warriors’ training staff as the calendar turns toward April. The roster has been decimated by a “perfect storm” of injuries:

Jimmy Butler III (ACL surgery), Seth Curry (Left adductor strain), Moses Moody (Right wrist sprain) and Kristaps Porziņgis (Back soreness) are the other names in the injury report for March.

With three critical games remaining this month against the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Denver Nuggets, the Warriors will have to rely heavily on Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski to stay afloat in the postseason race.

“I just saw his leg buckle and I saw him go down in a heap in pain,” Kerr said postgame. “We don’t know what it is yet, but it sure looked bad. Whatever the best-case scenario is, that’s what we’re all hoping for, but it didn’t look good.“

The injury occurred as Moody elevated toward the rim for a dunk. Upon takeoff, his knee appeared to give way, a moment captured in jarring detail on the slow-motion broadcast.

The Warriors are currently awaiting MRI results, but the atmosphere in the locker room remains somber as the team fears a long-term absence for the young wing, and brings up Kerr’s proposition to NBA stakeholders on shortening 82-game season.

The medical outlook: Evaluating Moody’s injury

The visual evidence was concerning enough for medical experts to weigh in. Dr. Nirav Pandya, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, noted the precarious positioning of Moody’s kneecap on the play.

“Obviously, the usual battery of tests will be done (X-ray and MRI), but when you see the patella not in the right position, you have to worry about a patellar tendon rupture, a patellar dislocation, or a larger knee dislocation involving multiple ligaments,” Pandya posted on X.

If the imaging confirms a rupture or multi-ligament tear, Moody would face an arduous recovery process that could sideline him well into next season.

A rotation in crisis

Moody’s injury is a devastating blow to a Golden State roster already stretched thin. While the league at large is grappling with stars like Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis sidelined, the Warriors are feeling the burn internally.

With Stephen Curry still hampered by a lingering ailment and the bench depth evaporating, Kerr’s tactical flexibility is reaching a breaking point.

With the postseason race tightening, the Warriors must now find a way to stabilize a reeling rotation. If Moody is out for the duration, Kerr will likely have to lean even more heavily on his younger reserve corps to keep their playoff hopes alive.

“I’m well aware fewer games would mean less revenue, which would require everyone to take a pay cut. I’m willing to stick my neck out and say I’m all for that, as I believe the quality of the product is paramount. I don’t make these statements lightly; they come from a deep conviction,” Kerr shared with the media.

The Warriors have been particularly impacted this regular season due to the dense schedule, with Jimmy Butler out for the remainder and Stephen Curry contending with an injury sustained in January.

Kerr has addressed this issue by advocating for a 72-game regular season to NBA stakeholders, aiming to prevent player overload while still fulfilling commercial obligations.

Kerr’s proposition to NBA stakeholders

Kerr has elaborated on his proposal for a shorter 72-game season, highlighting several contributing factors.

Among these, Kerr identified back-to-back games as a significant cause of the league-wide increase in soft-tissue injuries.

The Warriors’ head coach also pointed out that the current game volume reduces training opportunities, which, according to Kerr, has diminished the quality and “IQ” of on-court performances.

Opinions in favor and against

Kerr’s proposal has ignited a range of opinions across the NBA, with both supporters and detractors voicing their stances.

NBA legend Vince Carter has expressed opposition to the idea, arguing that the 82-game season is integral to the league’s historical legacy.

Conversely, Team USA and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has supported the notion, stating that the “intensity of the modern game is unsustainable,” and endorsing a reduction in regular-season games.

Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has reportedly resisted Kerr’s initial communications, citing a lack of “definitive data” confirming that fewer games would lead to reduced injury risks.

“I’m just trying to really fire the guys up,” Kerr told hosts Mark Willard and Dan Dibley. “We were, I thought, demoralized at times [against Chicago]. The Bulls had a big run at the end of the second quarter and I could just feel the air leaving our balloon.”

“Without Steph, without Jimmy, I think I have to take on more responsibility, just keeping the guys’ spirits up, that sort of thing. So, that’s probably what you were looking at.” Kerr said this after responding to a question about his animated reaction to a three-pointer from Kristaps Porzingis late in the third quarter of Tuesday night’s home loss.

The absences of Butler and Curry take their toll

Curry has missed the last 15 games due to a persistent runner’s knee injury and will miss at least 10 more following the latest injury update, while continuing to work toward his return.

Butler, meanwhile, tore his right ACL on January 19, which ended his season. The Warriors have not won consecutive games since then, forcing Kerr to try everything possible to revive the team’s campaign.

Kerr and the Warriors miss the duo

The absence of Curry and Butler has clearly been felt across the roster. The Warriors are currently relying on a lineup featuring Gui Santos, Draymond Green, Al Horford, Will Richard or Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski, as seen in their most recent game at Chase Center against the Bulls. This group has struggled with inconsistency and frequent changes due to injuries and tactical adjustments.

That situation has created further problems, as the starting rotations continue to change. At times, players such as De Anthony Melton, Quinten Post and Pat Spencer have been involved, while Porzingis, who arrived to reinforce the defensive area and the paint, has yet to make a significant impact due to injuries.

Golden State banked enough early-season wins to keep the team a level above the bottom of the NBA Western Conference and in line for a potential play-in tournament berth. However, as Kerr acknowledged, any ambitions beyond that remain unlikely without his two best players available.

“We’re just at a place where our margin for error is really slim,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley. “Very frustrating, but our guys are playing hard and competing and giving [themselves] a chance every night. But there’s no doubt [Curry and Butler]…we needed them and we didn’t get them, so it puts us in a tough spot.”

“He hasn’t practiced yet. He’s getting shots up, but he’s not yet at a place where we can say he’ll be back on the practice court in the next few days,” Kerr told Willards and Dibs before the matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Curry has been sidelined since late January, and anticipation for his return remains high among the fanbase. However, the Warriors recently learned Curry will be out for at least 10 more days.

Kerr is acutely aware of the high expectations and recognizes his role as head coach of the Warriors. In addition to Curry’s absence, Jimmy Butler is also out for the rest of the season, adding to the challenge of managing fan expectations.

Kerr reveals Curry’s current frame of mind

Kerr also shared insights into Curry’s current mindset regarding his injury and his expectations for the coming days.

“Steph is frustrated. He wants to be out there for his teammates. The injury has undoubtedly lasted much longer than anyone anticipated,” Kerr admitted.

Kerr emphasized that the team is closely monitoring the situation to ensure Curry can return in optimal condition: “We’re just trying to give him the best chance to come back, stay healthy, and finish the season strong.”

Curry’s potential return

As things currently stand, Stephen Curry is expected to return to action in the coming weeks, according to Kerr.

“Hopefully, we get Steph back in the next couple of weeks and give it another run. That’s the whole point. Year after year, you keep giving yourselves a swing at the plate,” Kerr stated.

Steve Kerr has coached both Stephen Curry and LeBron James, giving him a rare vantage point on two of the most transformative figures in modern basketball. Speaking on the “Willard and Dibs” podcast, the Golden State Warriors head coach offered a nuanced breakdown of how each superstar reshaped the NBA.

“Well, first of all, they’ve been the torchbearers for the league throughout their careers. Both guys are such amazing symbols, players, and voices for our league. Getting the chance to coach LeBron two years ago in the Olympics was such a thrill. I really got to see how committed he is, how passionate he is about the game, the preparation, and everything that goes into it.”

“The league has been incredibly fortunate to have those two as the faces of the NBA over the last couple of decades. As for how the game has changed, Steph has dramatically changed it with his shooting, for all the reasons we know.”

“I don’t know that LeBron has changed the game in quite the same way Steph has, but he took the mantle from Kobe and Michael Jordan as that guy who is head and shoulders above everyone athletically. What makes LeBron different is the versatility. There’s never really been a player like him. We’re playing positionless basketball now. If you ask me what position LeBron plays, I honestly don’t know. It doesn’t matter. He just wins.”

LeBron’s impact on the league

The respect was evident. Yet when the conversation shifted toward stylistic impact, Kerr drew a clear distinction. LeBron’s impact existed in a different dimension, as Kerr acknowledged that James inherited the mantle from Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan as the league’s dominant athletic force, elevating it through versatility, a point that carries clear reasoning.

James’s statistical résumé underscored that uniqueness. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a four-time champion and four-time Finals MVP, he maintained elite production across multiple eras and roster constructions, supported by both his talent and physical conditioning that allowed him to continue performing at a high level at 41 years old.

Curry’s impact on the NBA

Curry’s revolution was tactical, while James’ influence was structural. Curry’s emergence as the greatest shooter in NBA history fundamentally altered spacing, shot selection, and roster construction across the league. His deep range forced defenses to extend far beyond the three-point line, opening driving lanes and redefining offensive geometry.

Teams now prioritize high-volume three-point shooting at every position, a philosophical shift that accelerated during Golden State’s championship runs in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Youth basketball reflects the same blueprint today, showing Curry’s impact across multiple levels of the sport, confirming both players as defining figures of their era.