Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, Warriors
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Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after missing a shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 12, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.
The Golden State Warriors may soon receive a massive boost in their playoff push as new reporting suggests Stephen Curry could be nearing a return from his lingering knee injury.
According to Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard, there is a growing belief that Curry’s comeback could happen as early as the Warriors’ next home game.
Kawakami recently reported that Curry appeared physically and mentally ready during a recent workout at Chase Center.
“Let me note here that Curry definitely seems to be feeling good about a return from his frustrating bout of ‘runner’s knee,’” Kawakami wrote. “I saw him in the Chase Center locker room a few days back after a workout, and he looked dead-eye serious, like he was about to play Game 1 of the NBA Finals.”
Kawakami added that unless there is an unexpected setback, Curry could return at the end of this current six-game road trip.
“Unless there’s some new setback, Curry’s coming back, maybe by the game against the Nets on March 25, when the Warriors get back home,” Kawakami wrote.
Stephen Curry Sends Strong Message About Returning This Season
Despite speculation that the Warriors could take a cautious approach with their franchise star, Curry made it clear that he has no intention of shutting things down for the season.
Curry dismissed the idea that he might rest until next season.
“That’s not who we are,” Curry told The Athletic in New York. “If we have stuff to play for, we play. So, I’m working to get back.”
The four-time NBA champion emphasized that his recovery has focused on returning to full strength safely without risking further injury.
“The idea of my injury is just getting information by the day of, ‘Can I play safely? Be myself out there and not put myself in danger short term or long term?’”
Curry added that he still believes the Warriors have plenty to fight for this season.
“We still have stuff to play for. We’d love to see guys in a playoff series and take a swing,” Curry said. “Hopefully, see this team that’s currently constructed healthy for a stretch to learn as much as we can and compete.”
When asked directly if he still expects to play this season, Curry did not hesitate.
“For sure.”
Warriors Await Curry Return During Critical Stretch
Golden State’s urgency is understandable.
The Warriors suffered their fifth straight loss Sunday, blowing a 21-point lead in a heartbreaking defeat to the Knicks. With just 15 games remaining in the regular season, Curry’s potential return could dramatically shape the team’s playoff outlook.
Head coach Steve Kerr said the organization remains confident that Curry will return before the end of the regular season.
“Well, we expect him back,” Kerr told NBC Sports’ Bob Costas. “He’s trending in the right direction.”
Kerr acknowledged that runner’s knee has been a tricky injury to manage, but emphasized that Curry’s progress has been encouraging.
“We just don’t know if it’s going to be a week or two or whatever,” Kerr said. “It’s a day-to-day process.”
Curry Traveling With Warriors During Road Trip
Another positive sign is Curry’s decision to travel with the team during its current six-game road trip.
The Warriors began the trip in New York and will continue with games against the Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks.
Kerr said having Curry around the team has already lifted morale.
“Just feels better when he’s in the room,” Kerr said. “He was in our meeting today, he got a workout in this morning. So he’s trending in the right direction and he’s in good spirits.”
Curry is scheduled to be re-evaluated later this week in Atlanta, when Golden State prepares to face the Hawks.
Golden State Struggles Without Curry
Golden State has clearly felt Curry’s absence.
The Warriors are 9–19 this season without their superstar guard, including 5–12 during the current stretch since he last played on Jan. 30.
Kerr acknowledged that Curry’s extended absence has been unusual for the franchise.
“He’s just one of one,” Kerr said. “This is the longest stretch I can remember being without him since 2020.”
Despite the challenges, the Warriors nearly pulled off a road upset against the Knicks even without several key players.
Young contributors stepped up in the loss, including Brandin Podziemski with 25 points and six assists, Quinten Post with 22 points and three blocks, and Gui Santos with 20 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
Curry’s Return Could Change Golden State’s Playoff Outlook
If Curry returns around March 25, as Kawakami suggested, it would give Golden State roughly 10 games to regain rhythm before the postseason.
For a team still battling injuries and fighting to stay in the playoff race, the return of the NBA’s greatest shooter could transform the Warriors’ outlook down the stretch.
And that’s all Curry wanted — a fighting chance.