TL;DR
- Stephen Curry missed Tuesday’s Warriors‑Heat game with right‑ankle soreness.
- MRI and scan results were negative; team says absence is “precautionary.”
- Steve Kerr reiterates load management focus for veterans.
- Curry could return Friday night in Phoenix.
The Golden State Warriors’ Tuesday lineup looked unusual against the Miami Heat—missing its brightest star.
Stephen Curry, who’s off to one of his strongest starts in years, was ruled out pre‑game due to right‑ankle soreness.
According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews and USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt, team doctors found no structural issues, calling the move purely preventive.
Curry, 37, entered the night averaging 27.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 43 percent from deep, continuing to anchor Golden State’s offense while juggling emerging roles for Klay Thompson and rookie Brandin Podziemski.
The sit‑out marks the first rest‑day decision of the season for the two‑time MVP, whose history with ankle injuries is well‑documented.
Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters the move was part of a bigger strategy:
“Steph’s playing some of the league’s heaviest minutes right now. It’s November, not May. We’re thinking long‑term.”
The sentiment reflects a wider league shift—one that balances television schedules with player longevity amid collective bargaining scrutiny over rest policies.
Analysts view it as a sign of how the Warriors intend to manage a veteran roster caught between eras.
Chris Paul’s second‑unit leadership has been a stabilizing factor, but Golden State’s net rating drops dramatically with Curry off the court, reinforcing just how central he remains even in year 17.
One source inside the locker room suggested Curry’s sit‑down was his call after feeling “tightness” during morning shootaround. That brand of transparency, paired with a short turnaround to face Phoenix, signals this won’t linger.
Expect him back this weekend barring setbacks.
In the meantime, the Warriors’ developmental rotation gets a spotlight.
Podziemski continues to impress with court vision and defensive versatility—traits that may prove invaluable come postseason.
For now, Golden State’s most familiar rhythm—the splash of 30 feet and a smile from 30—will wait a few nights longer.
In Other NBA News
- LeBron James cools free‑agency buzz: Following cryptic social posts, LeBron clarified he’s focused solely on the Lakers’ postseason run before addressing his contract next summer.
- Victor Wembanyama expands shot profile: The Spurs phenom added mid‑range efficiency to an already elite block rate, solidifying himself as an early Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
- Celtics remain Eastern Conference measuring stick: Jayson Tatum’s unselfish passing and Jrue Holiday’s perimeter defense have Boston cruising through November atop all major power rankings.
