Warriors Game Sparks Easter Celebration

SAN FRANCISCO — Just before tip-off on Sunday night, a gospel track mixed with hip-hop vibes filled the Warriors’ arena. It was far from a normal pre-game tune-up. This was a special occasion.

“Today is Easter Sunday,” Stephen Curry remarked. “It’s Resurrection Sunday.”

And indeed, it felt like a revival.

Curry’s well-known warm-up routine took on fresh significance as he stepped onto the court for his first game since January 30. Friends and family filled the courtside seats, creating an electric atmosphere.

When he came out to Kanye West’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1,” the excitement was palpable. But that was only the beginning.

After sitting out for 27 games due to a tricky knee injury, Curry seemed ready to take charge. Though the Warriors couldn’t completely erase a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit, they kept fighting, ultimately losing 117-116 to the Rockets.

“Feel it. We’re back to the team. We’re back to fighting Steph,” coach Steve Kerr expressed. “They’ve been really strong lately, and we pushed them to the limit.” The arena buzzed with energy, something that had been missing during Curry’s time away, as the Warriors had gone 9-18 without him.

As the game wound down, all eyes were on Curry.

With less than 11 seconds left, the Rockets took a one-point lead. Kerr opted not to call a timeout, hoping for a spontaneous moment. Draymond Green set up a double screen for Curry. Unfortunately, his contested 30-foot shot was off the mark.

In a dramatic turn, Curry had earlier pulled off a stunning 32-foot shot to briefly give the Warriors the lead after overcoming a 10-point gap just minutes prior. He maneuvered past Kevin Durant for a delicate layup, showcasing his skill.

“Even if we didn’t win, that was the hardest part of the last two months,” Curry reflected. “There were tight games where we struggled to score. It felt a bit frustrating.” He took control when it mattered, netting eight of his game-high 29 points during the crucial moments.

Curry came off the bench, playing 26 minutes and sinking 11 of his 21 shot attempts, including five from beyond the arc. This performance cast a ray of hope for the Warriors as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs.

“Steph looked fantastic. You can see he quickly found his rhythm,” Kerr noted. “His flow sets the tone for the team, opening up opportunities for easy baskets.”

Curry had initially thought his injury, known as runner’s knee, would sideline him for about a week. Some fans questioned whether his return was worthwhile. Still, during his recovery, he focused solely on returning for competitive games.

“You could feel the excitement in the arena,” he said. “The vibe was totally different.”

Although the 7 p.m. start time was somewhat late, Curry admitted he felt “nervous.” Thankfully, his family helped ease his anxiety, and once at the arena, the familiar adrenaline took over.

This marked the first time since March 2012 that he came off the bench. Checking in for the first time late in the first quarter, he immediately energized the crowd.

For the next game against the Kings, Curry may again start from the bench, though Kerr hinted at a return to the starting lineup soon.

When Curry returned for his second stint midway through the second quarter, the crowd’s energy was slightly different. Yet, it held special significance for some.

“My mom was there,” he mentioned. “She must’ve taken so many pictures that her phone ran out of space.”

Sonya Curry got to witness her sons, Steph and Seth, play together for the first time since their days at Charlotte Christian School. Seth, who joined the Warriors in November, hadn’t been able to share the court with his brother until this late stage of the season due to injuries.

The brothers exchanged jerseys, a rare practice usually meant for opponents. But given the long journey they’d had, it felt fitting.

“I got it right away,” Seth recalled. “I went and asked for it as soon as the game ended.”

Both brothers share similar shooting styles and have drawn on childhood memories of playing basketball together, all while navigating a challenging season filled with injuries.

In the end, they shared a sentiment that perfectly summed up the day.

“Dreams come true.”