After playing in 25 straight games out of the Golden State Warriors’ 38, Stephen Curry, the team’s experienced leader, finally took a well-deserved break for the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. However, this break raises questions about the 35-year-old’s endurance as the Warriors face unexpected challenges in the current NBA season.
Curry’s Struggle Under the Weight of Responsibility
The responsibility on Curry’s shoulders has increased, with many veteran teammates either struggling with poor form or serving suspensions. A team that once dominated the league now finds itself in a fierce battle just to secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament this season. The pressure on Curry is palpable, not only affecting the team’s performance but also taking a toll on his individual statistics.
Curry, who began the season with a series of outstanding performances, including six games with 30 or more points in his first 11, is now grappling with the toll of the team’s declining form. Despite a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback against the Chicago Bulls, the strain on Curry is undeniable. Head coach Steve Kerr points to exhaustion as the primary reason behind Curry’s absence from the lineup against the Bucks.
“He’s just wiped out right now. He’s been basically healthy all year. We’ve been relying on him heavily…a lot of games. He’s worn out so he needs the night off.” – Steve Kerr on Stephen Curry While the Warriors managed a commendable effort without Curry, Green, Paul, Moody, and Payton II, the absence of their star player is keenly felt. The team, currently 12th in the Western Conference with an 18-21 record, is banking on Curry’s rejuvenation for a turnaround starting in Memphis on Monday.
The Numbers Tell the Tale of Fatigue
Curry’s recent three-point shooting percentage reflects the toll of the relentless schedule. The sharpshooter has made only 35 of his last 108 three-point attempts, well below his usual impeccable standards. His overall shooting percentage has also dipped below 39% in the last 10 games, resulting in an average of just 22.6 points per game during the same period.
Despite notable performances against the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets, Curry has struggled in multiple games, contributing 18 points or less in four instances. The team’s reliance on his scoring ability is evident, making his rest crucial for the Warriors’ prospects. As the Warriors face the Bucks without Curry, a notable absence compounded by the sidelining of Green, the team braces for a challenging game. The hopes rest on Curry’s one-game rest to restore him to his best when they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
Warriors’ Saturday Showdown and Beyond
In the second game of a back-to-back against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Warriors, already missing Curry, will also be without Draymond Green. Green, reinstated after an indefinite suspension, won’t feature against Milwaukee. This marks the third game Curry has missed this season, prompting speculation about the star being overdue for a night off.
Curry’s absence aside, the Warriors showcased resilience in their win against the Chicago Bulls on Friday, with notable performances from Kuminga and Podziemski. As the team continues its road trip, eyes are on the matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, scheduled for Monday at FedExForum.
With the Warriors navigating a challenging season and Curry’s fatigue becoming increasingly apparent, the upcoming games carry heightened significance. The fans eagerly await his return, hoping that the one-game rest proves sufficient for the superstar to reclaim his form and lead the Warriors back to their winning ways.
The narrative unfolds with the Warriors facing a tumultuous season and Curry’s fatigue becoming increasingly apparent. The upcoming games hold immense significance, and fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the return of their star player. They hope that the one-game rest serves as a rejuvenating break, allowing the two-time MVP to lead the Warriors back to their winning ways. Stay tuned for the latest updates on “Warriors Pregame Live” at 2:00 p.m. PST on NBC Sports Bay Area.
