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Steph Curry is likely to return for Game 1 of the Golden State Warriors’ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, after missing the home stretch of the regular season with a foot sprain.
The two-time MVP and three-time NBA Champion is averaging 25 points, six assists and five rebounds this season in 64 games – his most games played since the 2018-19 season.
Curry is essential to the Warriors’ success, as illustrated by their 8-10 record in games he has missed this season, compared to 45-19 when he has played.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr spoke about how everyone is desperate to get the star guard back on the court, but the organisation will not rush him back before he has proven his readiness.
“We’re not going to play him without getting a scrimmage,” he said.
“The whole team will need a scrimmage, given that we generally play every other day and now we have six days between games, that’s pretty unique.
“But it would be irresponsible to put Steph out there in a playoff game without having scrimmage time before.”
Kerr also suggested that if Curry is to suit up in Game 1, he will be on a minutes restriction, saying he won’t play “30, 35 minutes”, and may come off the bench.
Curry’s ‘Splash Brother’, Klay Thompson, also weighed in on the status of his team-mate.
“It felt good to play, and Stephen Curry looked like himself,” he said. “He just gives everybody a lift with just his presence on the court.
“It was great to have him out there.”
