The Golden State Warriors have taken every precaution when it comes to Stephen Curry’s broken left-hand injury. The two-time Most Valuable Player has gone through multiple re-evaluations, tedious workouts and everything in between.
With Curry finally cleared to return against the Toronto Raptors, the Warriors will proceed with caution in his first game back.
Curry spoke to reporters at Golden State’s shootaround about how much playing time he will get after missing the past 58 games.
Via Warriors SoundCloud:
Somewhere between 24 and 28 minutes. I don’t know exactly, we haven’t really finalized exactly how that’s going to look, nor should we tell anybody. It’s just a matter of staying in that lane where I can go full speed, highest intensity and not burn out, and get through a whole game. I’m not worried about it at all. I think I can play a lot more than that just based on all the work that I’ve put in. But, you got to be smart about it in that sense. You also have to feel the game. Obviously, I want to be out there when it matters. Finishing quarters, finishing the game and being available in that respect. That’s the goal to manage the minutes but also not mess with the game where I’m not all the way engaged and able to make an impact with longer stretches consecutively out there on the floor.
Before being cleared to return against the Toronto Raptors, Curry spent time in Santa Cruz with the Warriors’ G League Affiliate. The six-time All-Star scrimmaged with the G League group to build his conditioning before returning to NBA action.
With Golden State’s playoff hopes spoiled, there is no need for the Warriors to rush Curry back from injury. Over the remaining 20 games of the regular season, the Golden State point-guard will slowly ramp up his game minutes as he finds a rhythm with his surgically repaired hand.