Golden State Warriors fans can sense it. Their main man is almost back in action.
In a season drilled with tests and struggles, fans are hoping for the card to flip in their favor as the 82-game slate wraps up and the do-or-die play-in game arrives.
The Warriors haven’t seen Stephen Curry in uniform in over 60 days. They don’t know what to expect from their 38-year-old star once he does return. (Likely Sunday against the Houston Rockets! But shhh … don’t jinx it.)
Curry is still one of the best players in the world, but he has immeasurable wear and tear on his body. That soul has been through countless deep playoff runs and six NBA Finals.
Now the hope is simply this: that Curry returns with five-or-so games left and is able to capture somewhat of a rhythm entering the play-in tournament. A rusty Curry is the last thing both the Warriors and the two-time MVP want.
With another loss last night, this time to the streaking San Antonio Spurs, Golden State is dug into the play-in tournament and has nothing else to prepare for but it.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr drops exciting statement
At last, the Dubs were met with some good news when Curry scrimmaged with the team earlier this week.
It was a long time coming.
He had been sidelined with runner’s knee for multiple months and then wasn’t able to get the green light from the medical staff to participate in his first semi-scheduled scrimmage ahead of the Warriors-Hawks game two Sundays ago.
But Curry participated in practice and a five-on-five scrimmage Tuesday, and the takeaway was entirely encouraging.
According to coach Kerr, there was no bad sign to speak of after Curry wrapped up work Tuesday evening.
“He looked good,” Kerr said of the four-time champion. “I caught the tail end (of Tuesday’s scrimmage), but everybody said he looked good and felt good.”
Now it is all about ramping up the activity. Curry will give it a go for another scrimmage either today or tomorrow and the Warriors will see where the chips may fall.
Golden State remaining hopeful amid stressful season
The team has been met by crushing blow after blow since the turn of the calendar. So many injuries that you hate to mention them one by one again. We won’t do that, because we know all too well by now.
All eyes are on Curry and what tricks he has up his sleeve for the rest of this Warriors season.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Can this generationally-gifted athlete somehow drag his guys through two play-in games and a date with the first round of the playoffs?
Is it merely asking too much of an aging superstar to pick up steam, shake off the rust and immediately shine through intense games after two months off? Probably.
But if someone can do it, one would think it would be Curry, who’s right arm is still the most explosive weapon in basketball history.
Golden State is back in action tonight. Curry will not play, but expect him to be on the court doing some work before tipoff just like he did ahead of yesterday’s Spurs game.
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