Since stepping onto the NBA stage in 2009, Steph Curry has been the heartbeat of the Golden State Warriors. His ability to stretch defenses with his unparalleled shooting range and relentless energy, combined with his exemplary teamwork, has turned the Warriors into the NBA's gold standard.
When Steph sits out, the impact is palpable, and the current situation is particularly challenging. With Jimmy Butler sidelined for the season due to a torn ACL, the Warriors are facing an uphill battle.
Steph missed his sixth consecutive game last night due to what's been termed 'runner’s knee,' and the Warriors felt his absence in a tough loss to the Celtics. Boston dominated, at one point leading by 34, before a late Warriors surge made the score more respectable. Despite the effort, Golden State now sits just two games above .500.
The team plans to reevaluate Steph in 10 days, leaving them to navigate a tricky stretch without him. After the Celtics game, Coach Steve Kerr emphasized the need for speed, ball security, and capitalizing on second chances.
The Warriors, not known for their size, might struggle with ball control without Steph. However, they did win the turnover battle 13-9 and converted those into 25 points, compared to the Celtics' 13.
Fast break points were scarce, with only 13, and they were outrebounded by 14, even with the 7'2" Kristaps Porzingis debuting for Boston.
Despite the loss, Kerr found silver linings. He praised Porzingis' 12-point performance in 17 minutes and appreciated the Warriors' late-game fight and rhythm, which could be crucial moving forward.
The road ahead is daunting. The Warriors host the Nuggets on Sunday, then hit the road for games against the Pelicans and Jazz. They return home to face the Lakers and Clippers before traveling to Houston and Oklahoma City.
Currently eighth in the West, the Warriors have a cushion to stay in the play-in tournament, with the 11th-place Grizzlies 7.5 games behind. However, slipping below the Clippers or Blazers would mean needing to win two straight play-in games to reach the playoffs.
The Warriors must find ways to compete without Steph, but his health remains paramount. His return is key to their playoff hopes, and ensuring he's fully ready is the top priority.