Stephen Curry Battles On Despite Thumb Injury for Crucial Game Against Clippers

Stephen Curry was determined to push through his right thumb aggravation in the Warriors’ win against the Trail Blazers on Friday. Despite the setback, which occurred with 1:59 left in the first quarter of the Warriors’ commanding 103-86 victory, Curry assured he will be poised for Sunday’s pivotal match against the LA Clippers. Although an X-ray revealed nothing serious, Curry momentarily left the game but returned to compete in the second and third quarters. He sat out the fourth as the Warriors maintained a hefty lead of 27 points. Previously suffering a painful thumb injury in January, Curry remains undeterred. “Just an aggravation,” Curry noted, comparing it to his past injury. “Hopefully, it wasn’t anything severe.” During his 27 minutes on the court, he recorded 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 6-for-14. Curry admitted the taped thumb slightly impacted his shooting due to its “fresh” pain. “But I don’t expect it to linger,” he mentioned.

The Warriors need Curry in prime shape for Sunday’s showdown, where the victor will secure a crucial spot among the Western Conference’s top six and guarantee a playoff series. “I don’t want to exaggerate,” Curry remarked about the upcoming game, “but it’ll have a Game 7 atmosphere. Winning ensures our destiny with a playoff series secured. Losing, though, means uncertainty.” Should the Warriors lose, they can’t drop below seventh place, which would land them in a play-in spot. Both the Warriors and the Clippers are on the brink; the Warriors at 48-33 and the Clippers at 49-32, with the latter possibly finishing anywhere from fourth to seventh. Their last encounter was on December 27, before Kawhi Leonard returned from injury and before Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler III in February. The Clippers hold a 3-0 record against the Warriors this season.

“It’s going to feel like a playoff,” Draymond Green predicted, emphasizing the intensity and strategic play both teams will need. Securing a victory and avoiding the Warriors’ 0-3 play-in record could earn them a crucial week off to recuperate. Curry expressed confidence in playing Sunday but acknowledged a brief respite could greatly benefit his thumb. “I’m feeling great,” Curry confirmed post-game. “I’m all set for Game 82 on Sunday. I’m looking forward to it.”