Stephen Curry seems to have fully recovered.
Following a 27-game absence due to a persistent knee issue, Curry rejoined the team on Sunday evening, instantly showcasing his former prowess. However, his performance ultimately fell short of securing a victory for the Golden State Warriors against the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets secured a narrow 117-116 victory against the Warriors, with Alperen Sengun hitting a decisive shot after Golden State had briefly regained the lead in the closing moments.
Curry contributed 29 points as a reserve, achieving an 11-for-21 shooting record from the floor and connecting on 5-of-10 attempts from beyond the arc. Despite playing only 26 minutes, he attempted a potential game-winning shot from the perimeter as time expired, which unfortunately missed its target.
This marked Curry’s initial regular season appearance coming off the bench since the 2011-12 season. His most recent bench role was during the opening round of the 2022 playoffs. Furthermore, this game represented the first occasion Curry competed alongside his brother, Seth Curry, as teammates.
Stephen Curry’s Remarkable Comeback Performance
Curry made his entrance into the game with just under five minutes remaining in the opening quarter, greeted by a roaring ovation from the Chase Center crowd. On his very first possession, Curry promptly dished an assist to a streaking Charles Bassey for an effortless dunk. Shortly thereafter, he sunk a swift, long-range three-pointer, typical of his signature style, despite being guarded by two Rockets players.
By halftime, he had accumulated 10 points, having made 4 of 10 field goal attempts and 2 of 5 from long distance, helping the Warriors stay within a mere two points of the Rockets.
As if his initial half display hadn’t sufficiently demonstrated his capability, Curry further showcased his talent in the third quarter. He notched 11 points during that period, igniting an 11-0 scoring surge that pulled the Warriors back into contention, highlighted by a long-range three and an incredible contested floater with a foul.
With approximately a minute remaining in the game, Curry brought the Warriors within a point of Houston by sinking a crucial three-pointer while contested by both Sengun and Amen Thompson.
Gary Payton subsequently scored a layup due to a goaltending infraction, giving the Warriors a one-point advantage, thereby setting the stage for the Rockets’ last offensive possession. It was at this juncture that Sengun converted his layup, securing Houston’s victory.
Brandin Podziemski contributed 18 points, complementing Curry’s 29 for the Warriors. Gui Santos also scored 15 points. This defeat marked the Warriors’ fourth consecutive loss, placing them at 36-42 for the season and in tenth position in the Western Conference rankings.
Every starter for the Rockets achieved double-digit scoring in their victory, spearheaded by Kevin Durant’s 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Sengun also chipped in with 24 points and seven assists. The Rockets, currently ranked fifth in the West, have now extended their winning streak to six games.
Stephen Curry Adapting to a ‘New Baseline’
Curry was sidelined for 27 games because of a right knee injury initially incurred in January, despite expectations that his absence would be shorter. What was first considered a minor ailment was later identified by the Warriors as patella-femoral pain syndrome and bone bruising.
On Saturday, Curry disclosed that his knee had no structural damage, but he is striving to establish a “new baseline” for its function.
“Initially, it was more of a psychological hurdle, as I lacked sufficient understanding of the condition. My expectation was to be out for about a week, ten days at most, allowing it to settle,” he stated. “Whenever I stepped onto the court or attempted to intensify my activity during that initial month, there was consistently — I wouldn’t label it a setback, but rather a slower recovery rate than anticipated.
“Exercising patience then became challenging because it’s the kind of injury that absolutely requires rest. There’s no pushing through it or playing while it’s in the process of mending. It’s simply a distinct experience compared to most injuries I’ve encountered, which typically came with a very clear recovery schedule and method.”
Before Sunday evening’s game, Curry held season averages of 27.2 points and 4.8 assists. The 38-year-old athlete was subject to a minutes limitation, participating in shorter intervals than his typical play. According to head coach Steve Kerr prior to the match, the objective was to gradually increase Curry’s intensity to achieve full fitness for the upcoming play-in tournament. The Warriors’ regular season concludes with only four remaining games, commencing with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
Despite still operating under a restriction, Curry’s immediate return to his previous form is undoubtedly a significant boost for the Warriors during the concluding phase of the regular season. His comeback, notwithstanding Golden State’s failure to secure a victory on Sunday evening, appears to be perfectly timed.
