After missing about two months for the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry officially returned from injury on Sunday night in a marquee matchup against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.
It was quite the return, too, as the two NBA greats battled it out ahead of both teams going on different paths for the postseason. Curry dazzled in his return, shooting 11-for-21 for 29 points, which included him knocking down five three-pointers. Along with that, Curry had four assists, two rebounds, and a steal.
His return performance nearly included the game-winning shot, but it was Durant and the Rockets who claimed a 117-116 victory before the buzzer. KD finished with 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in the win, which pushed Houston to a 49-29 record ahead of the playoffs.
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After the game, Curry was asked about all the emotions he experienced with his return, and according to the Warriors star, it was a “fight” to return to play, but he was appreciative of being able to enjoy basketball again. He also credited his family for helping him ahead of his official return to play in the game.
“You know, this Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, this has been a special day to reflect and appreciate, again, what I get to do every day on a daily basis, the gifts God’s given me to be healthy, fight through this rehab stint, and be able to get back to the court and enjoy myself. There were a lot of nerves all day. My family supported me at home when I was a nervous wreck tryna pass the hours before I get to the arena,” Curry admitted.
Along with explaining his ability to return for a high-level performance, Curry showed his gratitude for the love and support the fans provided him in his return, reflecting on how it won’t last forever, so he appreciates it while it’s there.
“But once you get back into your routine, you’ve been doing it for so long, muscle memory takes over, the adrenaline takes over. I appreciate the fans and the reception, and just the buzz that was in the arena because, you know, at a certain point, you won’t be able to tap into that. So, very grateful. It’s a beautiful day, and now I can kinda settle in to how we’re gonna finish the year,” he told reporters.
With Sunday night’s loss, Golden State fell to 36-42 on the season with four games remaining and will compete in the play-in tournament.
They’re currently the No. 10 seed and would play against the No. 9 seed Portland Trail Blazers (40-38) in a mini tournament, which also currently would feature the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns, to determine the final two seeds in the Western Conference.
With injuries taking out Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody for the season, having Curry back in time for that situation certainly improves the Warriors’ chances of competing further in another postseason.
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