Stephen Curry caused a moment of concern during the Golden State Warriors’ critical NBA play-in game against the Los Angeles Clippers when he briefly left the court before quickly returning. The high-pressure, single-elimination contest took place at the Intuit Dome.
With 2:39 left in the first quarter, Curry headed to the locker room with a towel covering his head, sparking immediate worry given the 38-year-old’s recent injury history, including a runner’s knee that sidelined him for over two months this season. However, Curry soon returned and reassured a courtside reporter, stating, “I’m good.” He was then seen on the bench conversing with teammates before rejoining the game in the second quarter.
During the opening period, Curry played just over eight minutes, scoring three points on 1-of-5 shooting. His quick return indicated the issue was not serious, though the brief exit highlighted the delicate situation surrounding Golden State’s playoff ambitions.
The scare occurred amid the Warriors’ careful management of Curry’s minutes in this must-win scenario. Head coach Steve Kerr had already confirmed that Curry, along with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, would have restricted playing time for the game. Kerr emphasized that this approach focused on preserving player health, especially with key players returning from injury late in the season.
Since his comeback, Curry has been gradually increasing his minutes, logging 29 in the regular season finale. He was expected to play just over 30 minutes against the Clippers, while staying under 40 minutes.
Despite fitness concerns, Kerr named a starting lineup featuring Curry, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Porzingis, and Horford. Both teams entered the play-in after inconsistent seasons; the Warriors struggled with injuries and uneven form, while the Clippers recovered from a slow start to finish above .500.
Notably, this game marked the first postseason meeting between Curry and Kawhi Leonard since the 2019 NBA Finals, adding extra intrigue to an already intense matchup.
With their season hanging in the balance, the Warriors must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Even with a victory, they would still need another favorable result to secure a playoff spot, with a potential showdown against the Phoenix Suns on the horizon.
For now, all attention remains on Curry, whose brief departure served as a stark reminder of how precarious Golden State’s situation is as they fight to extend their season.
