Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry grappled with a lingering thumb injury during a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite his 4-for-17 shooting performance, Curry refused to use the injury as an excuse, calling it bothersome but not debilitating. The Lakers’ strong defense further hampered Curry, particularly in the second half, where they held him scoreless. Curry acknowledged the defensive challenge but emphasized resilience and focusing on improvement as key takeaways from the game.
Recurring Thumb Issue Affects Shooting
Curry’s thumb injury has been a recurring issue, occasionally impacting his performance. However, he has demonstrated the ability to play effectively through it, including an eight 3-pointer game against the 76ers. Frequent hits to the injured thumb hinder its recovery, but Curry remains determined to persevere. He reiterated his commitment to not let the injury become an excuse, maintaining his focus on contributing to the team even under physical discomfort.
Beyond the thumb injury, the Warriors are carefully managing Curry’s overall health, including addressing knee pain. Despite these challenges, Curry has expressed optimism about his progress, noting improvements after participating in recent back-to-back games. The team continues monitoring his recovery to ensure he remains ready and capable of performing at a high level. This strategic approach underscores the balance between competing and safeguarding Curry’s long-term health.
Lakers’ Defense Stifles Curry’s Game
The Lakers’ defense played a pivotal role in limiting Curry’s effectiveness, contesting most of his shots and neutralizing him in the second half. Anthony Davis praised the collective effort of his team in guarding Curry, which was a critical factor in their victory. While recognizing the Lakers’ strong defense, Curry stressed the importance of learning from such matchups and staying focused on the bigger picture for the season.
Curry highlighted the importance of the Warriors’ current stretch of home games for their season trajectory. With key players like Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga unavailable, Curry’s leadership has become even more critical. Although the recurring thumb injury remains a source of frustration, Curry remains steadfast in his commitment to playing through it and contributing to the team’s success. His resilience and determination continue to be essential as the Warriors navigate a challenging period in their campaign.