Stephen Curry‘s sprained left ankle represents the first bit of adversity for a Warriors team that had been on an upward swing since training camp, writes Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.
Curry underwent an MRI Sunday night to determine the severity of the sprain, but Thompson notes that Rick Celebrini, the team’s vice president of player health and performance, tends to be cautious with injured players. Even if the sprain is mild, Curry is likely to miss back-to-back games with New Orleans on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Thompson, and may be given a full week off.
Thompson notes that Curry’s absence will be a test for the “strength in numbers” approach adopted by general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. after failing to land another star during the offseason. With a wealth of wing players, coach Steve Kerr has been using a 12-man rotation early in the season to keep everyone involved. That means there will be some nights when players don’t get their expected minutes, and Kerr singled out Kyle Anderson for understanding that Sunday night.
“I only went to Kyle for four minutes,” Kerr said, “and he was amazing the second half on the bench, leading everybody, talking to guys. That’s what you have to have if you’re going to do this and play a lot of people. Everyone’s got to be on board. I couldn’t have been more impressed by Kyle’s professionalism.”
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- Ivica Zubac posted 23 points, 17 rebounds and six assists Sunday as the Clippers topped Golden State to continue their surprising start, per Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times. Zubac has scored at least 20 points in each of his first three games, joining Bob McAdoo as the only centers in franchise history to achieve that feat. “It’s only been three games, but I’m trying to bring the consistency,” Zubac said. “I’m trying to keep it up as long as I can. I’m trying to bring the same stuff every night for my teammates so they can count on me. They can count on me on the defensive end and the offensive end and count on me to rebound, to protect the rim, score in the post, finish around the rim. So I’m trying my best to bring that intensity.”
- Kings guard Kevin Huerter scored 14 points Saturday night, marking his first productive game since having surgery on his left shoulder, notes Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee. After being limited to two points on opening night, Huerter was relieved when he got his first three-pointer to fall. “Yeah, it felt good to get the first one,” he said. “It always does. That long of a layoff, you just need to see it go in, so it felt good to get that.”
- In a recent video, Jovan Buha of The Athletic suggests Jazz center Walker Kessler as a trade possibility for the Lakers as they look for a reliable big man to pair with Anthony Davis (hat tip to Jared Koch of Sports Illustrated).
- The Lakers‘ G League affiliate in South Bay recently announced its training camp roster. Familiar names include two-way players Armel Traore, Christian Koloko and Quincy Olivari.
Might give Curry a week off? They will give him a week off because they are over cautious with injuries. Now the team’s depth will be tested early. the bigger concern is how TJD was man handled by Zubac. The warriors still need a big man inside.
I’d rest him until Saturday to be honest. Bodies at 36 take a bit longer to recover from.
Silver might not like that.
Amazing comment haha
Why in the world did Curry go back in the game in 4th quarter? WTF cares if they win the game last night and go 3-0?? It was a a trrrible decision…
Looney was pretty good last night. It’s not a bad duo.
Kerr on why Draymond did not play with the closing unit: “I went with the guys that played well.” But Draymond had the best +/- on the team? Kerr somehow gets dumber every year, I swear…
Again, with the too-small, GP2 at the 4 lineups that also feature Podz, a negative defender who can only be successful if being played with a proper-sized rotation.
Podz getting 25 mins and Slomo getting 4 is nasty work. Anderson is factually a better scorer and at least is a big body who can fill the lane and be more than the traffic cone Podz is anytime he does work in the key. Podz getting too many minutes in a loss again…same as last year…Kerr is such a 5/10 HC, the Warriors are absolutely handicapped by him and his idiotic choices in-game. Buddy averaged 17 MPG the first 2 then played 28 and stunk the whole time. Moody not getting enough run…lots of stupid moves by Kerr in that Clippers game….
Or – you’re just upset that you told everyone that Moody was going to play more than Podz, Hield etc, had a go at everyone who disagreed with you, and now (as expected), you’ve been completely wrong and need someone else to blame.
Zubac is one of the most underrated players in the league
He knows when to pick, knows when to pop, knows when hes got an edge, knows when he doesn’t and never trys to do more than hes capable of
Ayton should be taking notes today
He should have been taking notes like four years ago at this point lmao
Oh he took some in the playoffs ha, from Zu and even Mason Plumleee (yikes)
Jock Lawndale got 16 mill ( so far) based off Ayton being abused that series….he’s gotta be Aytons number 1 fan today ha and on Jocks X-Mas card list
He had a good game last night, but the Pels best actual big man is Daniel Theis, so that was kind of a gimmie.
Also, Jock Landale should have bought a lottery ticket after that signing. Dude went from nobody to overpaid nobody based on like five games, lmao.
Extra Credit to the Phx fans for getting Jock payed
First time (I think ) I heard a standing O for a player just for not being someone else
He knows he’s got the beard making him look like he’s got something going on.