An unexpected scare occurred during the Golden State Warriors’ open practice on Sunday.
Fans and team members were understandably unsettled when Steph Curry was spotted limping off the court and heading to the locker room.
As reported by Nick Freidell of The Athletic, head coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Curry left practice early due to an ankle issue.
Freidell also noted that after a conversation with Curry in the training room, Kerr reassured everyone that “he’s fine.”
While there’s currently no detailed update on Curry’s condition, ESPN’s Anthony Slater has heard from a team source that his ankle injury is not serious.
Curry, who is 38, had a rough time last season, playing only 43 games after dealing with a runner’s knee injury that sidelined him for much of the second half.
When he did play, Curry managed to average 26.6 points per game, boasting a shooting accuracy of 46.8% overall and 39.3% from three-point range. Additionally, he contributed 3.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in about 30.9 minutes per game.
The numbers speak volumes: without Curry on the floor, the Warriors struggled, going 13-26, while they had a much more favorable record of 24-19 with him.
Health will undoubtedly be crucial for the Warriors this season, especially given that they’re already facing injury challenges; Kristaps Porzingis and Jimmy Butler are both out for the start of the season.
Recently, Porzingis shared on X that he would be sidelined indefinitely as he collaborates with his doctors on a plan to regain his former self.
Butler is anticipated to return around late January or early February as he recovers from a torn ACL he sustained last season.
Curry is gearing up to begin his 18th NBA season this week, with the Warriors set to face the Lakers on the road for their opener on Wednesday night.
Just last month, Curry and the Warriors finalized a two-year, $116 million contract extension, which includes a player option for the 2028-2029 season.
