Table of Contents
The Golden State Warriors’ lineup got a significant boost when Stephen Curry made his much-anticipated return to the court after missing three games due to a left ankle injury. Warriors fans and analysts had three-game absence been eagerly awaiting his return, and the team’s struggles in his absence highlighted just how important Curry is to their success. His presence was felt immediately as he contributed 24 points in a commanding 115-103 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns, reminding everyone why he’s one of the best players in the NBA.
Curry’s return not only lifted the Warriors’ spirits but also revitalized their offense, which had shown signs of stagnation without him. His impact on the court was palpable from the moment he stepped back into action, and it was clear that the Warriors were once again a dangerous team with their star back in the three-game absence fold.
The Struggles Without Curry: A Rough Patch for the Warriors
Curry’s absence had come at a tough time for the Warriors. Although the team had played well in stretches earlier in the season, his injury, which occurred after a non-contact play in a previous game, coincided with a dip in form. Over the three games he missed, the Warriors struggled both offensively three-game absence and defensively. Without Curry’s shooting range and ability to stretch the floor, the offense became more predictable, with defenses collapsing on Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, leaving the Warriors with fewer open looks and limited scoring options.
Despite solid performances from Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and others, Golden State went 1-2 in those three games without their star guard. The Warriors’ spacing was notably compromised, and the team three-game absence struggled to execute the fast-paced, ball movement-heavy style of play that has been their trademark during their championship runs. Even with Thompson hitting a few big shots and Draymond Green providing his usual leadership on defense, the Warriors lacked the offensive dynamism that Curry brings to the floor.
This period without Curry raised questions about the team’s depth and whether the Warriors could rely on their supporting cast to stay competitive during his absences, especially as they faced some of the three-game absence more potent teams in the Western Conference. The worry was that without Curry’s leadership, they might fall too far behind in a highly competitive playoff race.
Curry’s Return: Immediate Impact on the Game
The moment Curry returned to the Warriors’ lineup, the energy in the Chase Center shifted. It wasn’t just the crowd that felt it—the entire team seemed to come alive. Curry’s mere presence created space for his teammates, opening up the court with his elite shooting and gravity that forces defenses to stretch and three-game absence adjust. As soon as the ball was tipped, it was clear that Curry was ready to make an impact.
In the first quarter, Curry immediately showed signs that he hadn’t lost a step. His first points came on a pull-up three-pointer that splashed through the net effortlessly. It was a vintage Curry shot—deep and three-game absence smooth—and it was only the beginning of what was to come. The Warriors, who had struggled with their rhythm in the previous games without him, looked like their old selves again, moving the ball freely and playing with pace.
Curry finished the game with 24 points, shooting 8-of-16 from the field and 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. His performance wasn’t just about scoring, though. Curry also tallied six assists and grabbed three three-game absence rebounds, contributing to every facet of the game. His ability to make plays, whether it was through a no-look pass to Draymond Green or a step-back three to break a Suns run, helped stabilize the Warriors as the game progressed. He was involved in almost every offensive possession, either directly scoring or creating opportunities for others.
The Warriors’ Offensive Flow Returns
With Curry back, the Warriors’ offense once again resembled the fast-paced, ball-sharing machine that three-game absence dominated the NBA for years. The Warriors moved the ball around the perimeter with precision, creating open looks for their shooters. Klay Thompson benefitted from Curry’s gravity, hitting 5-of-10 from the field for 17 points. Thompson’s shooting, which had been inconsistent in Curry’s absence, found rhythm again with the floor spaced properly.
Andrew Wiggins, too, found success with Curry back on the floor. Wiggins has often been a reliable secondary scorer for Golden State, but in Curry’s absence, he had to step into a larger offensive role, three-game absence which sometimes left him out of sync. Against the Suns, Wiggins was more in tune with the Warriors’ offense, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting. The team as a whole shot 47.8% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range, numbers that reflected the improved offensive flow with Curry back in action.
One of Curry’s best qualities as a point guard is his ability to elevate his teammates. scoring provides an offensive cushion, allowing others to play with more freedom and confidence. For example, Jordan Poole, who been tasked with leading the offense when Curry is out, played a much more relaxed game, three-game absence contributing 14 points and showing flashes of the dynamic scorer that had so important for the Warriors last season.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications
Curry’s return could not have come at a better time for the Warriors, who were fighting to stay in the playoff race in the competitive Western Conference. The win against the Suns not only moved them back into the win column but also showed the value of Curry’s leadership and all-around play. With the season only a few weeks old, the Warriors need Curry healthy and in rhythm if they hope to make another deep playoff run.
Curry’s return has injected hope into a team that, without him, had shown signs of struggle. While the Warriors have been resilient without their star, there is no denying the difference Curry makes when he’s on the court. As the team continues to gel and adjust to the new season, Curry’s leadership will be critical as Golden State looks to improve on its early-season inconsistencies.