Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr called the injury of superstar Stephen Curry as a good thing for the team in the long run. Curry is expected to miss two weeks after suffering a sprained right ankle in their 125-115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans Monday. While the Warriors have a star-studded cast, Kerr said Curry is the engine that runs the team, saying everything that they do revolves around the two-time Most Valuable Player. However, Kerr said Curry’s injury could be a good thing in the long run. “Big-picture wise over the next couple of weeks, it’s an opportunity for our team to get better.
We have to and have no choice to be more proficient and more precise with the way we play,” said Kerr. Last season, Kevin Durant missed 22 games with a left knee injury. However, Durant’s absence did not affect the Warriors, who went on a 14-game winning streak during that span behind Curry’s leadership.
Curry leads Warriors in scoring
Curry suffered the injury after he got tangled up with Pelicans guard E'Twaun Moore late in the fourth period. Kerr is thankful that Curry’s MRI showed no structural damage that would require a longer absence. In 23 games this season, Curry is averaging 26.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 32.6 minutes of play for the Warriors, who have a 19-6 record. In their Wednesday’s clash with the Charlotte Hornets (9-13), second-year guard Patrick McCaw will not play due to a nose contusion, but he’s expected to see increased minutes at point guard when he returns.
As backup, the Warriors recalled guard Quinn Cook from their G-League squad in Santa Cruz. Kerr is also looking at using Andre Iguodala, Durant and Draymond Green to run the offense.
Durant, Thompson need to step up
“We’re going to have some tight games where we have to fight back. It’s going to be a great test for us all,” said Durant, who is second in team scoring with an average of 24.6 points per game.
Klay Thompson, who is averaging 20.5 points per game this season, needs to step up to fill the void created by Curry’s absence. Nick Young, David West and Iguodala could provide the spark off the bench for the Warriors. Green, being the team leader in assists with 7.1 dimes per game, can create plays for the Warriors if needed.
As backup point guard, Shaun Livingston needs to step up his game to contribute in filling the scoring void left by Curry. Livingston is averaging 4.7 points in 22 games for the Warriors this season.
