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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors hugs head coach Steve Kerr after a win.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr offered his most revealing comments yet on Stephen Curry’s recovery, acknowledging both the urgency and the caution shaping the Warriors’ approach as the regular season winds down.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Friday’s game against the Washington Wizards, Kerr made clear that Curry’s return is no longer just about health, but also timing.
“We’re not bringing him back like for the Play-In game,” Kerr said. “He needs to play some games, and we need to give him a runway if this is going to work — and we are running out of games.”
Warriors Balancing Urgency and Caution
Kerr emphasized that the organization’s approach has not fundamentally changed, with the team continuing to defer to its medical staff.
“If he’s healthy, he’s going to play,” Kerr said. “If he’s not healthy, or if there’s any risk at all, then he won’t play. That’s just how he’s built. It’s how we’re built.”
Still, Kerr acknowledged that the situation has evolved in recent weeks, with the timeline now becoming part of the conversation.
“It hasn’t changed,” Kerr said of the team’s cautious stance. “But it’s actually a conversation now.”
That shift underscores the tension between maintaining patience and addressing the realities of a shrinking schedule.
Curry’s Impact Extends Beyond the Box Score
GettyInjured Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors high-fives teammates during the first half of their game against the Chicago Bulls.
Kerr also pointed to Curry’s influence beyond scoring, highlighting the confidence and structure he brings to the team.
“He clearly gives us a dramatically better chance to win a game,” Kerr said. “Besides that, the intangibles — how much confidence the rest of the guys have, even in themselves when they’re playing next to him — all that is really palpable.”
Kerr added that Curry’s absence has been felt not only by the team but by the organization as a whole.
“Everybody’s missing him, not just his teammates and coaches, but our fans,” Kerr said.
Setback Delays Ramp-Up Process
The urgency comes as Curry’s recovery has hit a recent delay.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Curry was unable to scrimmage this week and is expected to be re-evaluated next week — pushing back a key step in his return process.
That development has complicated the Warriors’ ability to give Curry the “runway” Kerr described.
Warriors’ Upcoming Schedule Offers Narrow Return Window
After facing the Washington Wizards on Friday, the Golden State Warriors have just one more game remaining this week — a road matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
Curry is expected to be re-evaluated following that game, potentially setting up a clearer path for his return.
If progress is made, the Warriors could target their upcoming five-game homestand — beginning Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs — as a realistic window for Curry to rejoin the lineup.
That stretch could provide the “runway” Kerr referenced, allowing Curry to regain rhythm in live game action before the postseason.
After the Spurs matchup, the Warriors will have just five games remaining in the regular season, further tightening the timeline.
What Comes Next for Warriors and Curry
For now, Kerr made clear the Warriors are still operating with optimism — but not at the expense of caution.
“He’s still working,” Kerr said. “Rick is working with him with the mindset that he will be back.”
Whether that return comes with enough time to make a meaningful impact remains the central question.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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