Steph Curry had to leave the Golden State Warriors’ preseason game early on Friday, giving supporters quite a scare.
The Warriors hosted the Sacramento Kings for a preseason game at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
Curry started the game and played 16 minutes throughout the first half. However, the two-time NBA MVP injured his finger late in the second quarter and was replaced, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
The 10-time All-Star was subsequently spotted returning to the locker room alongside Warriors trainer Rick Celebrini. Curry did not return to the game, and De’Anthony Melton started in his stead during the second half.
The good news for Warriors supporters is that the injury appears to be minimal. Curry was allegedly able to complete his customary postgame routine in the weight room as the game progressed.
Steph Curry jammed his finger late in the first half and left for the locker room. Didn't return for the second half, but it doesn't sound like an issue. He's back in the weight room currently going through his normal postgame workout routine, per Warriors.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 12, 2024
Curry finished with six points and four assists on two of seven from the field.
Since Kevin Durant left the team in 2019, Golden State’s success has been nearly entirely dependent on Steph Curry.
The team should consider keeping Curry in bubble wrap for the rest of the preseason, especially given how much he is paid for the next two years.
Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors’ coach, is aware that Klay Thompson has left the team. But he doesn’t believe it will become true until opening night.
Klay Thompson's departure hasn't fully sunk in yet for Steve Kerr, who revealed to @KerithBurke when it might finally hit him 😢https://t.co/2fRPfg1lVU
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 11, 2024
Steve Kerr’s comments about Klay Thompson reflect the deep connection and impact Thompson had during his 13 years with the Golden State Warriors. As a core member of the team’s championship runs, Thompson not only brought elite shooting and defense but also a unique, lighthearted presence, often providing humor and memorable moments like his “Klayisms.”
His departure to the Dallas Mavericks marks the end of an era for Kerr and the Warriors. Thompson’s role as a clutch performer and quirky figure will certainly be missed by his teammates and coaches, as Kerr highlighted when mentioning the void left by Thompson’s absence in team routines and the overall atmosphere. Whether it was his superstition-laden pregame rituals or his fan-favorite antics like signing a toaster, Thompson was a special figure in Golden State’s run of success.
The adjustment to life without Thompson, especially for Kerr, who coached him for a decade and won four titles with him, will likely be challenging as they move forward with a new chapter in Warriors history.
Klay Thompson hotter than that toaster he signed. pic.twitter.com/wawdDWMbzZ
— Tas Melas (@TasMelas) June 5, 2017
The Warriors’ performance in their preseason win over the Sacramento Kings, where they sank 28 threes, suggests that despite Klay Thompson’s departure, their ability to dominate from beyond the arc remains strong. New acquisitions Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton are stepping up to fill the shooting void, combining for an impressive 10-of-16 from deep—numbers reminiscent of Thompson’s signature shooting performances.
Hield, known for his shooting prowess, and Melton, a versatile guard, bring fresh energy and scoring to the Warriors’ backcourt. While Thompson’s unique presence and contributions will be hard to replace entirely, the early signs suggest that Golden State is finding new ways to keep their offense explosive from long range. If these players continue performing at this level, the Warriors’ offensive firepower could remain one of the team’s strengths, even in the post-Thompson era.
Buddy Hield had the hot hand to lead the @warriors to the #NBAPreseason W in Sacramento 🔥
22 PTS | 8-9 FGM | 6-7 3PM pic.twitter.com/YonZved8Xl
— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2024
Klay Thompson’s debut for the Dallas Mavericks, where he knocked down 3-of-5 from beyond the arc and scored 10 points in just 18 minutes, shows that his trademark shooting ability remains sharp. Though his absence will surely be felt by the Warriors, Thompson seems to be adapting quickly to his new role with the Mavericks.
As Steve Kerr jokingly noted, Thompson’s mentality to “shoot every time” won’t change, and the upcoming matchup on November 12 between the Mavericks and Warriors will be one to watch. Thompson and Steph Curry were known for their competitive drive, and Kerr’s expectation of a big effort from his former star hints at the intensity and high stakes of that first reunion. Fans can expect a lot of shots and perhaps some vintage “Klay moments” as he faces off against his old team, marking an emotional and competitive chapter in his career outside Golden State.
