Golden State Warriors fans held their breath Sunday night as Steph Curry, the heartbeat of the team, left the court with an ankle injury. It happened during a hard-fought game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where Curry initially rolled his ankle in the second half. Despite briefly returning, he aggravated it again in the fourth quarter, and that was it for him in the 112–104 loss. Warriors coach Steve Kerr later spoke about the injury, providing some cautious optimism: “He’s doing O.K.,” Kerr said. “He used the word ‘mild’ or ‘moderate’—he’s obviously sprained that ankle many times before. He doesn’t think it’s too bad, but obviously, it’s a concern.”
While Curry himself downplayed the severity, calling it a “mild” to “moderate” sprain, the team isn’t taking any chances. He went for an MRI on Sunday night to make sure there’s no deeper issue that could sideline him for longer. For Warriors fans and anyone who’s followed Curry’s journey, the worry is real. After all, ankle injuries are nothing new for him; they’ve been a hurdle throughout his career.
Why Curry’s Presence is Key for the Warriors Right Now
This season had all the ingredients for a promising start. The Warriors kicked off their 2024-25 campaign on fire, winning their first two games against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz in convincing fashion. Curry led the charge, as always, setting the tone with his quick, sharp shooting and seemingly effortless playmaking. He was off to a strong start against the Clippers too, putting up 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, along with six assists and four rebounds in just 27 minutes on the floor. His ankle injury comes just as he was getting into the groove, and it’s a reminder of the fine line he has to walk to keep playing at his best.
Curry’s role is irreplaceable. Not only does he bring energy and control, but he also guides the newer players on the team, making the whole system work seamlessly. For many Warriors fans, seeing him exit the game—especially this early in the season—is unsettling. Every time he steps onto the court, there’s that hope for another magical season, but injuries like this bring a reminder of how delicate it can all be.
What Happens if Curry Misses a Few Games?
If Curry needs a bit of rest to recover, the Warriors are likely to lean on Jordan Poole and Chris Paul to help with scoring and ball-handling duties. Poole, who’s proven he can be a spark plug off the bench, may take on a bigger offensive load. Meanwhile, veteran Chris Paul, with his knack for controlling the game’s pace, would likely become the go-to playmaker. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green could also take on more responsibilities to keep the Warriors’ rhythm going. The team has depth, but Curry’s absence changes everything—they’re built around his style of play, so every player will need to adapt.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
The Warriors return to the court on Tuesday night to face the New Orleans Pelicans, a home game that could see Curry back in action if the MRI comes back clear. But if the team decides to give him time to heal, fans can expect a different kind of game plan as the Warriors find their way without their biggest star. The season’s just beginning, so any decision around Curry’s health will be made with the long haul in mind. Golden State knows that pushing Curry to return too soon is risky, especially with a player of his caliber and an ankle injury history.
Holding Onto Hope
Even with the injury scare, there’s reason for hope. Warriors fans know Curry’s resilience—he’s been here before, and he’s shown time and again that he can bounce back from setbacks like this. For now, though, it’s a wait-and-see situation. Coach Kerr’s update brought some reassurance, and Curry himself sounded optimistic. But until that MRI comes back and the team makes a call, the Warriors and their fans will be holding their breath.
As the season unfolds, keeping Curry healthy will be the Warriors’ top priority. He’s not just a player; he’s the heart of the team, and they’ll need him to go the distance this year. So here’s hoping the MRI shows good news, and that we’ll see Steph back on the court, doing what he does best, very soon.