The Golden State Warriors have a chance to extend their lead as the Western Conference’s top seed. With a 10-2 record thus far, Steve Kerr’s tactical adjustments, a 12-man rotation, and defensive philosophy of playing ‘fast’ have produced impressive results. A matchup against the Clippers awaits. Kerr, on the other hand, may face some difficulties with Stephen Curry.
In terms of visual issues, the Warriors had only Lindy Waiters III, a standout in the veteran coach’s rotations. The 27-year-old experienced a terrifying fall, landing awkwardly on his left knee. Fortunately, Anthony Slater reported that he has not suffered any major injuries. However, he also delivered some bad news.
According to Slater, Stephen Curry is also questionable for the game against the Los Angeles Clippers. A “left knee bursitis” may keep the two-time MVP out of the much-anticipated clash. Curry has already missed time this season with an ankle injury that caused him to sit out for three games.
Even though the Warriors have managed to find ways to win without their talisman, the Clippers remain one of their two losses this season. Curry suffered an ankle injury in that eight-point loss to the LA side. Now, in their potential revenge game, the Bay area might be without their franchise star.
The Warriors are coming off a hard-fought win against the Memphis Grizzlies. Significantly, the two sides have developed an intense rivalry over the past few years due to their cutthroat competition. However, this game became a test of character. Players kept falling, and the physicality was off the charts. Likewise, Warriors fans feel this might be the reason for Curry’s ailment.
“I blame the Grizzlies,” a fan wrote. Steve Kerr was well aware of the pressure the Warriors would have to face. And the only way to win was to respond appropriately. “They’re a very physical team, and we matched their physicality and that was an important part of the win,” he said after the win.
The rage, though, didn’t stop there. Although Stephen Curry didn’t take any visible knock, Memphis did apply extreme force at times. Naturally, their style wasn’t well received by the Dub Nation, given the consequences. One such frustrated member wrote, “Dirty grizzlies done injured the face of the league.”
Having to play without Morant, the Grizzlies have to push themselves to pull off the win. However, rather than the players, Kerr didn’t appreciate the officiating, especially in the last period of the game. He even received a technical foul for arguing, the same reason for which Draymond Green was ejected toward the end of the game.
There was panic. Some fans expressed their tensions saying “Omgggggggg we lost”. Surprisingly though, there was also a portion of Warriors fans who didn’t mind Stephen Curry being injured. They felt such rest could help the 36-year-old remain healthy in the latter part of the season. “Let them rest as much needed, we got wins in our favor and players to take that spot,” a comment read.
Stephen Curry though got plenty of rest during their game against Memphis. Since the Warriors held a 20-point advantage to begin the fourth quarter, Kerr opted to sit Curry out. However, the Chef rested the entire fourth quarter even when the game seemed to go down to the wire.
Still, even though Curry is a vital component of the system, fans are confident that Steve Kerr and the Warriors can get revenge without him. It’s because so far, they haven’t lost a single game in the time. He was out with an ankle injury. Hence, fans feel “4-0 without steph incoming”.
In the absence of Stephen Curry, his newly recognized shooting partner Buddy Hield has majorly elevated his game. He has averaged 25.3 points in those three games shooting a blistering 51% from three. Moreover, throughout the season, the Warriors are yet to truly struggle without Stephen Curry on the floor.
