Stephen Curry’s Quad Injury Sparks Warriors’ Crisis Mode
Stephen Curry is set to miss approximately a week due to a quad contusion, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater. Fortunately, Charania noted that Curry seems to have “avoided any serious issue,” with his return hinging on how well the quad responds to treatment. The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s defeat against the Houston Rockets, where Curry played through discomfort before exiting the game with a noticeable limp just 35 seconds before the final buzzer.
With the Warriors currently sitting at 10-10 and with only two games on their schedule in the upcoming week—against New Orleans on Saturday and Oklahoma City on Tuesday—there’s a possibility Curry could be back in action for next Thursday’s match against Philadelphia. In the meantime, the team must navigate this challenging period without their star point guard.
Relying on Jimmy Butler’s Versatility
In Curry’s absence, the Warriors will need to lean heavily on Jimmy Butler, their most effective driver. Butler leads the team with an impressive 9.1 points in the paint per game, showcasing his ability to penetrate defenses. More than just a scorer, he often drives to create opportunities for his teammates, drawing defenders away and facilitating open looks.
The blueprint for success without Curry was highlighted last season during a game against the Bucks on March 18, where Butler stepped up significantly. In that contest, Curry was sidelined, and Butler delivered a stellar performance, amassing 24 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds while finishing with a game-high plus-14 rating. If Butler can replicate that level of play, he could provide the necessary offensive spark while the rest of the team finds its rhythm.
Utilizing an Effective Lineup During Butler’s Rest
Among the Warriors’ ten most utilized lineups, only one has achieved an above-average offensive rating without featuring either Curry or Butler. This particular combination includes Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and Quinten Post. Impressively, this lineup boasts a 128.0 offensive rating paired with a 104.2 defensive rating, making it a potent option.
Kuminga’s return from a knee injury could be pivotal for this lineup’s success. He mentioned to Slater that he is targeting a Saturday comeback. If he can regain his form quickly, Kuminga could emerge as the primary scorer during minutes when Butler is off the court. Given the Warriors’ lack of depth in non-Butler minutes, head coach Steve Kerr might find this five-man unit essential for maintaining competitiveness.
Winning the Defensive Battle
While Curry’s offensive prowess is undisputed, his defensive metrics tell a different story. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Warriors’ defense suffers significantly when he is on the court, with a drop of 6.5 points per 100 possessions. The most frequently used lineup without Curry this season—featuring Podziemski, Moody, Butler, Draymond Green, and Post—has shown defensive excellence with a 100.0 defensive rating, though it struggles offensively with a 98.1 rating.
Facing a Pelicans team that, despite a dismal 3-16 record, possesses offensive threats like Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III—and potentially Jordan Poole if he is cleared to play—will require the Warriors to adopt a gritty, defensive-minded approach. They have previously shown resilience, going 7-5 without Curry last year, often emerging victorious in defensive battles. This experience will be crucial as they aim to navigate the next stretch of their season without their leading scorer.
