Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will miss at least a week after suffering a right quadriceps contusion and muscle strain during Wednesday night’s game against the Houston Rockets. The Warriors confirmed the injury Thursday morning following Curry’s MRI exam.
How the Injury Happened
Curry was visibly limping late in the fourth quarter. He tried to stay on the floor for a few plays, but things got worse when he went down hard while attempting to take a charge against Houston’s Amen Thompson with 3:24 remaining.
Although the play was initially called a charge, it was overturned and ruled a blocking foul on Curry. Moments later, he fell again after picking up a charging foul on offense. After struggling to move, he finally left the court and headed to the locker room.
How Long Will Curry Be Out?
The Warriors expect to re-evaluate Curry in one week, meaning he will likely miss at least the next three games:
- Saturday — vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Tuesday — vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Next Thursday — at Philadelphia 76ers
Steve Kerr Reacts to Curry’s Injury
Head coach Steve Kerr said losing Curry changes everything about their current rotation and game plan.
“It obviously changes everything — our rotations, how we’re playing, who we’re playing through,” Kerr said. He added that he was relieved the injury was to Curry’s quad and not his knee or ankle, calling it “better news than it could have been.”
Warriors Facing Tough Stretch of Games
The injury comes at a difficult moment for Golden State. The team has dropped four of its last five games and is now 10-10 on the season. After finishing a brutal six-game trip, they hoped to use this homestand to regain momentum — but Curry’s absence complicates that plan.
Jimmy Butler: “We Have to Be Damn Near Perfect”
Forward Jimmy Butler acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“We’re not going to have the ultimate bail-out,” Butler said. “As great as Steph is, he saves us every night. Obviously, we go as far as he goes, but we want him to be right.”
Warriors Need Others to Step Up
With Curry out, the Warriors will depend on more scoring from the rest of the roster. Rookie guard Will Richard delivered 18 points and six rebounds against Houston and will likely take on a larger role.
Richard said the key to surviving without Curry is keeping the offense flowing: “The ball can’t stick. We’ve got to move it, set screens, attack closeouts. That’s when we’re at our best.”
Curry’s Recent Performance
Curry scored just 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting Wednesday, including 2-for-9 from three-point range, ending his streak of three straight 30-point games.
Still, he has been on fire recently, averaging 34.5 points over his previous six games. That run included a pair of sensational 46- and 49-point performances in San Antonio.
This season, Curry is averaging 27.9 points and has appeared in 16 of Golden State’s 20 games. The Warriors are 9-7 with Curry and just 1-3 without him, highlighting his impact.
What This Means for the Warriors
The team will now have to adapt quickly as they fight to stay competitive in the Western Conference. With upcoming games against strong opponents, the Warriors’ depth and teamwork will be tested heavily.
Conclusion
Stephen Curry’s quad injury comes at a difficult moment for the Warriors, who are trying to steady their season after recent struggles. While the team is hopeful he can return soon, the next week will be a major test. Golden State will need multiple players to step up, keep the offense moving, and stay competitive until their superstar returns to the court.
