Steph Curry left Friday’s game against the Pistons in the third quarter, did not return.
SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Warriors fans can breathe a sigh of relief as star guard Steph Curry appears to have avoided a serious injury after exiting Friday’s game against the Detroit Pistons with knee soreness.
Head coach Steve Kerr provided an update following Saturday’s practice at Chase Center, revealing that Curry underwent an MRI on his right knee. The diagnosis: patellofemoral syndrome, more commonly known as “runner’s knee.”
“He’s day to day,” Kerr said. “It will be something we really have to monitor, especially before the All-Star break, where we’ve got to see if he can take on his usual workload, or does he have to miss a game here or there.”
The injury occurred late in the third quarter of the Warriors’ 131-124 loss to the Pistons. Curry had just completed an and-1 layup over Ausar Thompson with 4:28 remaining when he began limping. He left the court at the 4:04 mark and headed to the locker room. Postgame, Curry was observed walking with a limp but without any ice or brace on the knee.
At 37 years old—turning 38 in just over a month—Curry remains the Warriors’ cornerstone, leading the NBA with 4.5 three-pointers per game. He’s been selected as an All-Star starter for the 12th time, with the game set for Inglewood in February. However, injuries have already sidelined him for 11 games this season, including a recent absence against Minnesota due to inflammation in the same right knee.
To qualify for postseason awards, Curry must play in at least 65 games, leaving him with only six more allowable absences for the remainder of the season.
The Warriors (27-23) are already navigating challenges on the perimeter. Jimmy Butler is out for the year with a torn ACL, and trade candidate Jonathan Kuminga has been sidelined by his own knee soreness. Kerr noted that Kuminga’s condition is improving, but his status for Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia remains uncertain.
In Curry’s absence during the fourth quarter against Detroit, the Warriors mounted a partial comeback, outscoring the Pistons 29-23. De’Anthony Melton contributed 18 points in over 25 minutes, while Gui Santos added 16 on efficient 7-of-9 shooting. Brandin Podziemski stepped up with 11 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Eight players reached double figures in scoring, but without Curry’s gravity on defense, Golden State couldn’t overcome a 20-point second-half deficit.
Pistons guard Cade Cunningham starred with 29 points and 11 assists, helping Detroit improve to 35-12, the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Elsewhere in the game, Draymond Green tallied 15 points and seven assists but drew attention for his 10th technical foul of the season. He criticized referee JT Orr postgame, stating, “As a Black man in America, don’t put your hand in my face.” The NBA confirmed to the Bay Area News Group that the technical would not be rescinded. Kerr said he hasn’t discussed the incident with Green, who faces a one-game suspension upon reaching 16 technicals.
In additional injury news, the Warriors announced that Seth Curry, Steph’s younger brother, will be reevaluated in two weeks as he recovers from sciatica.
The Warriors have two days off before hosting the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. The Sixers will be without Paul George, who is serving a 25-game suspension for drug use following strong recent performances of 32 points and nine rebounds, and 15 points with five assists.
As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Warriors are expected to be active, balancing Curry’s health with their push for wins.