Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry said Sunday he remains committed to returning this season despite missing six weeks with a runner’s knee injury, pushing back on suggestions he should rest and preserve himself for next year.
“That’s not who we are,” Curry told The Athletic after the Warriors’ 110-107 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. “If we have stuff to play for, we play. So, I’m working to get back.”
Curry, who turned 38 Saturday, has recently returned to individual on-court workouts after being sidelined since leaving a loss to the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 30. The organization hopes he can return for a portion of the regular season and regain rhythm before the Play-In Tournament, which the Warriors will almost certainly qualify for.
Curry acknowledged the validity of concerns about his long-term health while firmly maintaining his competitive mindset.
“I agree with that statement,” Curry said of fans urging rest. “The idea of my injury is just getting information by the day of, ‘Can I play safely? Be myself out there and not put myself in danger short term or long term?’ We still have stuff to play for. We’d love to see guys in a playoff series and take a swing.”
Steve Kerr said Curry continues to trend in the right direction but declined to set a specific return timeline given uncertainty about how the knee will continue to respond to treatment.
“I’m the luckiest coach in the league to coach him and to watch him play,” Kerr said. “He’s just one of one. This is the longest stretch I can remember being without him.”
When asked directly if he believes he will play again this season, Curry did not hesitate.
“That I’ll play?” Curry said. “For sure.”