The word “tanking” has become one of the most prominent topics in the NBA in recent weeks. While teams such as the Utah Jazz have been accused of intentionally losing games to improve draft position, the Golden State Warriors have found themselves in a different situation.
Analysts are not seriously accusing the Warriors of tanking, but their recent performances have been poor enough that some have remarked it almost appears that way. Amid this difficult stretch, however, the Warriors and their supporters have received encouraging news regarding Stephen Curry.
Latest Update on Stephen Curry
The Warriors recently issued an official update through X, confirming that Curry is making steady progress in his recovery from patellofemoral pain syndrome in his right knee. The team added that he will be reevaluated in 10 days to determine the next steps in his recovery process.
Stephen Curry injury update: pic.twitter.com/YB6M0XZNcJ
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) March 2, 2026
Curry’s injury dates back to Jan. 30, when the Warriors faced the Detroit Pistons. He had already scored 23 points before leaving the court with approximately four minutes remaining in the third quarter due to discomfort in his right knee. He did not return, and the Warriors went on to lose the game.
Since that night, Curry has missed 10 regular-season games and was unable to participate in the All-Star Game. His absence has left a significant void in the team’s lineup.
Even before this latest announcement, there were indications that Curry’s recovery was progressing. ESPN insider Shams Charania previously reported that Curry’s injury was not considered severe and that he was showing improvement behind the scenes.
“I am told an MRI … showed no structural issue in his right knee,” Charania reported two weeks ago. “But he is dealing with persistent swelling and pain in that knee. The team is describing it as ‘Runner’s Knee’ as the injury. So Stephen Curry works out individually, as he did over the All-Star break and afterwards, he dwells with pain and swelling.”
The timing of this update is particularly significant, as the Warriors currently hold a 31-29 record and have lost four of their last six games. One of the team’s most pressing issues has been the absence of a true leader on the floor in Curry’s stead.
The roster has also undergone notable changes. Prior to the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga were traded to the Atlanta Hawks, while the Warriors acquired Kristaps Porziņģis in an effort to strengthen the supporting cast around Curry.
Porziņģis has played only one game since joining the team and has been sidelined due to an undisclosed illness. While some analysts have speculated that the illness may be related to POTS, Warriors management has not confirmed that diagnosis.
“He won’t play today. He’s sick, and so he’ll be out, and we’ll see about Monday. Can’t really say anything. It’s just a medical issue way beyond my capabilities of explaining anything. He’s sick, he won’t play, and we’ll keep monitoring him,” coach Steve Kerr said in a recent interview.
Compounding the team’s difficulties, Jimmy Butler III has been ruled out for the season. In his absence, players such as Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski have attempted to shoulder the burden, averaging 8.5 and 12.2 points per game, respectively. Their contributions have been commendable, but insufficient to consistently secure victories.
This is why Curry’s progress represents a significant development. Even if a deep playoff run appears unlikely, his return could provide the Warriors with the boost necessary to make a serious push for the Play-In Tournament.
