The Golden State Warriors suffered a brutal 112-86 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday night (March 25), but the bigger concern remains Stephen Curry’s injury status. The two-time MVP has now missed two straight games due to a pelvic contusion, and with the Warriors barely holding onto the sixth seed in the West, every game counts.
Head coach Steve Kerr provided a crucial update on Curry’s recovery, shedding light on why he remained sidelined.
Steve Kerr Explains Curry’s Absence
Curry was expected to return against Miami, but a last-minute setback in his workout led the Warriors’ medical staff to keep him out.
“He just wasn’t quite there, and we just can’t risk it,” Kerr explained. “He worked out yesterday and looked good. But at the very end of the workout, just one movement that he made didn’t quite feel right.”
With the Warriors facing a grueling schedule (currently on a six-game road trip), Kerr emphasized the importance of giving Curry the necessary time to recover fully.
“Knowing the schedule, knowing we got the next two days off, I think it’ll be a full week. That can really take care of the injury and regenerate, recharge his batteries. I think it’s a good plan.”
The decision may be a long-term precaution, but in the short term, Golden State is struggling without its leader.
Warriors Fall Without Curry as Playoff Race Tightens
The Warriors’ second straight loss, and third in their last five games, puts them in a precarious position. They now sit at 41-31, barely clinging to the sixth seed, with the Clippers (40-31) breathing down their necks.
Tuesday night’s matchup was hyped as Jimmy Butler’s revenge game against Miami, but he had a quiet performance with just 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga led Golden State with 15 points, and Brandin Podziemski added 14 points.
On the other hand, the Heat capitalized on the Warriors’ shortcomings. Bam Adebayo dominated with 27 points and eight rebounds, while Tyler Herro added 20 points and seven assists. Miami’s defense effectively stifled Golden State, maintaining control throughout the game.
The game was so out of hand that Butler sat for most of the fourth quarter as Miami pulled away. Without Curry’s offensive firepower, the Warriors shot just 39.8% from the field, one of their worst shooting nights of the season.
Golden State continues its six-game road trip on Friday, March 28, against the New Orleans Pelicans before facing the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, Match 30. With the Clippers closing in, the team hopes for Curry’s swift return to bolster their playoff aspirations and regain momentum.
