The Golden State Warriors suffered their third consecutive defeat on Thursday night, dropping a hard-fought 118-111 decision to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center. While the loss hurts, the real buzz inside the Warriors’ locker room is centered on what lies ahead this Sunday.
After the game, forward Gui Santos — who delivered one of the team’s few highlights with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting — was asked about the excitement surrounding Stephen Curry’s anticipated return. Santos didn’t hold back.
“You cannot measure it, brother,” Santos said. “We’re very, very happy to have him back. Steph for me, the greatest of all time.”
That unfiltered praise perfectly captures the electric mood at the Warriors’ facility right now. Curry completed his second full live scrimmage on Thursday, and all indications point to his return against the Houston Rockets on Sunday. Head coach Steve Kerr stopped short of confirming it officially but offered strong encouragement based on what he saw.
“He’s pretty good,” Kerr said. “He looks like Steph Curry.”
For the Warriors, those words were all they needed to hear.
How Thursday’s Game Unfolded
The contest was a frustrating one for Golden State. The Warriors trailed by as many as 13 points and appeared on the verge of a blowout before mounting a spirited comeback. A pair of threes late in the game gave them their first lead since the opening minutes, and the outcome remained in doubt until the final minute, when Cleveland pulled away.
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Santos and Brandin Podziemski led the charge offensively, each finishing with 25 points. Podziemski erupted for 18 of his points in the second half, while Santos added 16 after halftime. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 16 points and seven rebounds, and Draymond Green nearly posted a triple-double with 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists.
The glaring issue was three-point shooting. Golden State shot just 22.2% from deep in the first half and improved only slightly to 27.3% for the game. On the other side, Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 25 points, Max Strus added 24 (including a crucial late three), and James Harden chipped in 19.
Why Sunday Is So Critical
The Warriors have now fallen to 36-41 on the season. They remain in the play-in tournament picture, but the margin for error is shrinking fast. Curry’s return after missing 27 games couldn’t be more timely.
Without him, defenses have been able to clog driving lanes and contest shots more aggressively. Curry’s mere presence warps opposing defenses, creating open looks for teammates that simply aren’t there in his absence. Thursday’s poor shooting performance served as yet another reminder of that impact.
Bench contributors like Pat Spencer (12 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 16 minutes) and LJ Cryer (who hit three straight triples in the second half) have provided valuable sparks. The team’s depth has been impressive during this stretch — but it hasn’t been enough to overcome the void left by the four-time champion.
The Final Word
Gui Santos called Curry the greatest of all time and said the excitement level surrounding his return simply “cannot be measured.”
After three straight losses and with the play-in tournament looming, the Warriors desperately need their franchise player back on the floor. Sunday against the Houston Rockets cannot come soon enough.
The Bay Area is buzzing — and for good reason. When No. 30 steps back onto the court, everything changes.