Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is set to play in Wednesday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, even after suffering a right ankle sprain during the team’s open practice just this past Sunday. Head coach Steve Kerr dropped the news Monday, confirming the 38-year-old guard will suit up for his 18th season, which kicks off with a massive expiring $62 million contract.
The Latest Scare and the Ghost of Last Season
Look, the immediate relief that Curry’s playing Wednesday is real. But let’s be honest, seeing him go down with a right ankle sprain during Sunday’s open practice just days before the opener? That sends a shiver down your spine, especially when you consider his history. Coach Steve Kerr gave the all-clear Monday, confirming Curry, who’s now 38 and heading into his 18th season, will indeed be on the court. But you can’t ignore the context.
Last season, the guy was a ghost for half the campaign. We’re talking 43 games played because of a laundry list of injuries: ankle, quadricep, and knee issues. He even got sidelined for two whole months, February to April, battling something he called “runner’s knee.” It was rough, and it meant the Warriors had to fight without their heart and soul.
Warriors Go As Curry Goes, Period
When Curry was actually out there last season, he was still dropping 26.6 points per game, shooting 46.8 percent from the field, and a respectable 39.3 percent from deep. He added 3.6 boards, 4.7 dimes, and 1.1 steals, all in just under 31 minutes a night. He’s still that guy.
But the numbers don’t lie about his absence. The Warriors were a totally different squad. With Curry playing, they were a solid 24-19. Without him? A brutal 13-26. That’s a night and day difference, people! He came back for last spring’s play-in tournament, but even the Chef couldn’t cook up a win against the Phoenix Suns by himself. And now with Jimmy Butler still recovering from that torn right ACL surgery back in January, having Curry healthy is absolutely crucial if the Warriors want any shot at staying in the postseason hunt.
If this ankle sprain, or any other nagging injury, forces Curry to miss time, Draymond Green is going to have to massively step up his offensive game. Plus, expect to see more of Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton in the backcourt. It’s not ideal, but it’s the reality if Curry isn’t 100 percent.
Wednesday Night Lights: Lakers on Deck
So, all eyes are on Wednesday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s not just a game; it’s a litmus test for a Warriors team that needs their superstar to be super for a full season. Can the 38-year-old Curry stay healthy after another ankle scare right out of the gate? His 18th season is already shaping up to be a true high-wire act, and the Warriors’ postseason hopes are riding on every step.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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