Steph Curry Returns to Full Practice
It looks like the Warriors could be with their lynchpin for the start of the playoffs after all.
Stephen Curry practiced with the team in full today, per Steve Kerr. While the Warriors did not scrimmage today, it was indicated that Curry would be scrimmaging tomorrow with the rest of the team. Curry was able to get in a post-practice workout as well, and it doesn’t look like his mobility is hindered much or at all by the ligament sprain he suffered against the Celtics a few weeks ago.
As stated above, there is no set return date for Curry, but it looks from this footage that he’s ready to get back out there. Whether or not the Warriors will opt to play him for Game 1 of the first round against Denver remains to be seen, as an extra game off in order to give him more recovery time likely wouldn’t hurt even if he’s good to go.
He was even able to get some more spry movements in for his off-ball sets and off-the-dribble separation shots during the workout.
While the Warriors have looked excellent in their last stretch of games ahead of the playoffs, the Nuggets present a tougher matchup. Likely MVP Nikola Jokic will be suiting up at the opposite 5, and despite missing Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray for most or all of the season, Joker has been lethal even against some of the league’s best defensive bigs. The Warriors will need to fine creative ways to contain him without fouling too much or helping too hard, which can get his team open shots.
Steph will be a key factor in any playoff series, as he always has been, but it’s certainly winnable in 6 or so games assuming he doesn’t play the first and the Warriors catch a rough night. Jordan Poole’s recent emergence and Klay Thompson’s return to form leave no shortage of buckets, however, and there are few teams equipped to deal with not one or two, but three elite perimeter scorers; the Denver Nuggets are definitely not one of those teams.
More news on Curry’s availability should be on the way after he scrimmages tomorrow. Whether it takes a day or two to get a proper evaluation is another question, as he could even be a game-time decision if Golden State wants to play its cards close to the chest and wait until the last possible minute to keep the Nuggets guessing.
(Photo credit: Noah Graham / Getty Images)