The Golden State Warriors collapsed against the Los Angeles Clippers, 115-110, on Sunday. Wednesday, they’re set to meet again in a win-or-go-home matchup.
While Stephen Curry has looked sharp after returning from a 27-game absence, Steve Kerr addressed the media and said something that will sit uneasily with all Warriors fans.
Steve Kerr Confirms Stephen Curry’s Minutes Restriction for Wednesday’s Play-In
Despite a strong comeback, Kerr wants to protect Curry’s energy. He will not play 40 minutes on Wednesday against the Clippers.
The Golden State head coach confirmed it after Sunday’s defeat.
In fact, Curry, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis will also be on a minutes restriction. None of them will touch the 40-minute mark.
The Athletic’s Nick Friedell reported that Curry’s likely minutes will be around 32.
For a win-or-go-home game, that is a huge problem.
Curry just made a major comeback on April 5, right toward the end of the regular season. In the four games since his return, Kerr has kept him at 25–29 minutes.
It’s a deliberate move, considering the runner’s knee wiped out most of his season. Of course, nobody would want to rush him back into the 40-minute setup before he is fully ready.
Sunday offered something. Curry finished with 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting. He also shot 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. The rust is definitely coming off.
However, it is not fast enough to unlock him completely by Wednesday.
So why is it difficult for the Warriors? Because there are no restrictions for Kawhi Leonard, who will likely participate. Leonard sat out on Sunday as a precaution. He has played 11 straight games, hit 65 games on the season, and will be back on Wednesday. Unlike Curry, nobody’s putting a leash on him.
This regular season, Leonard topped 40 minutes three times. Golden State went 1-3 against the Clippers this season, and if Wednesday remains close, we could be facing a strong Leonard once again, who knows no distance.
While Leonard pushed 40-plus minutes, Curry being capped at around 32 seems rough, especially given the high stakes.
Kerr didn’t dress it up, stating, “These guys are really good, and obviously Kawhi will be back, and we’re excited about the challenge… We’d much rather be playing in a best-of-seven series, but it is what it is.”
