It is safe to say that the Golden State Warriors aren’t the same team when Stephen Curry is not on the court.
Curry’s ability to draw defenders and his long-range shooting changes the dynamic of the game. His leadership and presence cannot be overstated, and the Warriors fanbase will have their finger crossed hoping their starting point guard is fit and healthy for Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Rockets.
Unfortunately for Golden State, the two-time MVP has been nursing a thumb issue and looked uncomfortable in Games 5 and 6. However, despite the nagging injury, Curry is expected to suit up and take the court for the critical win-or-go-home game against the Rockets.
Stephen Curry Not Listed on Warriors’ Injury Report
Curry hasn’t missed a game since Mar. 25 and will likely start against Houston on Sunday night at the Toyota Center. He is not listed on the team’s injury report going into the game.
The Warriors guard had a poor performance in Game 5 of the series, finishing with just 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting. The rare off night could be attributed to a thumb injury that he has been dealing with.
He followed up the disappointing Game 5 shooting performance by dropping 29 points on the Rockets on Friday, but that wasn’t enough to prevent a 115-107 loss that sees this closely contested series go to a Game 7 decider.
Curry Sends Clear Message to Teammates Ahead of Vital Game 7 Clash
The Game 6 loss means the Warriors are at risk of giving up a 3-1 lead in this playoff series. Curry looked visibly frustrated following and the defeat at the Chase Center, and had a clear message for his teammates during the postgame press conference.
“If you don’t show up with that appropriate mentality, then you got a long vacation ahead of you,” said Curry. “We’re packing for a week. Getting on this plane to go to Texas and hopefully go to Minnesota right after.”
“If you don’t show up with that appropriate mentality, then you got a long vacation ahead of you, so you don’t want to be the team that’s packing up. We’re packing for a week. Getting on this plane to go to Texas and hopefully go to Minnesota right after. That’s the approach.”… pic.twitter.com/eM8u0NoWEo
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame)
Curry went on to say that he and his teammates are “excited” that they are still battling in this series.
The winner of this series will progress to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the next round.
Steve Kerr Continues To Rely Heavily on Curry To Steer Warriors’ Offense
Curry has been the Warriors’ leading scorer over five consecutive seasons. The four-time NBA champion led the entire NBA in points over the 2020-21 season with 32.0 points per game.
This season, Curry has been outstanding, leading the Warriors roster in points (24.5) and assists (6.0). The 37-year-old has also started more games than any other Warriors player.
Over the six playoff games against the Rockets, Curry has put up more points than any other player in the series, averaging 24.3 points per game.
Sunday’s game will be a major test for the four-time NBA champion.
The Rockets are well aware of Curry’s threat and have been monitoring him closely throughout the series. A strong shooting display from Curry could be the difference between a shot at a fifth title for the Warriors or an early flight home.
