Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry dropped 28 points, including five threes, to help his team beat the Phoenix Suns, 118-107, on Tuesday night. However, the sharpshooter is unlikely to suit up when the Warriors face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday in the second night of a back-to-back.
After Tuesday’s win, Curry told reporters that he’s dealing with a severe case of the flu, which could lead to him missing the clash between the Pacific Division rivals.
“Steph Curry has a cold that he said is getting worse postgame,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported via X. “He casted some serious doubt that he will play in Sacramento tomorrow night.”
Anthony Slater
Steph Curry has a cold that he said is getting worse postgame. He casted some serious doubt that he will play in Sacramento tomorrow night.
Curry also said his play was impacted due to the flu in the second half of Tuesday’s game against the Suns.
“Tonight in the second half, the tank was on [empty],” Curry said.
Anthony Slater
Steph Curry said his “gas tank was on E” in the second half due to his cold. He said he was going to see the team doctors before officially deciding whether to travel/play vs Kings tomorrow night, but sounds unlikely.
Warriors Rule Stephen Curry Out
Although Curry said he’s going to try to suit up in Sacramento, his head coach, Steve Kerr, confirmed that he won’t risk his 37-year-old star in a random November game.
“I don’t care what the doctors say,” Kerr said, via ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “We got to get him some rest. He’s not playing tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler III left Tuesday’s game with lower back soreness after playing just 14 minutes. The veteran wing was questionable going into the game, but braved out his injury, according to Kerr. He left the game at the 7:04 mark of the second quarter and exited for the locker room. Butler had two points, two assists and four rebounds in the 118-107 victory.
Chance for Warriors Young Stars
The absences of Curry and Butler present the Warriors’ young core of Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski an opportunity to step up against the Kings. In Tuesday’s win, Moody posted 24 points, five rebounds and two assists off the bench, including five threes, while Kuminga and Podziemski combined for 22 points.
Moody, who was previously expected to start the season as Curry’s backcourt partner, has no issues assuming the role of a spark plug off the bench. After Tuesday’s win, he said he plans to seize every opportunity he gets in a Warriors uniform.
“I think it’s part of life,” Moody said of his benching, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “You know, stuff goes your way, stuff doesn’t go your way.
“I guess that’s why I got the nickname ‘Stay Ready Mo.’ No matter what the situation is, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think that’s where we’re at, so day by day.”
Kerr showered praise on Moody after Tuesday’s win.
“Moses was the player of the game tonight,” Kerr said postgame. “His defense on [Suns guard Devin] Booker and his shooting — he was fantastic. He’s just found his groove now after missing most of training camp with the ankle. So it was a tough start to the season for him, mainly because we just found a different starting lineup and different rotation while he was out, and we were doing pretty well.
“But he’s forcing his way back into the mix, for sure.”
The Warriors will likely start Podz, Moody and Kuminga on Wednesday, along with Draymond Green and Quentin Post. Al Horford (toe) remains questionable.