The Golden State Warriors welcomed back Stephen Curry on Sunday night after a 27-game absence, as the veteran guard delivered 29 points in a 117-116 loss to the Houston Rockets. Playing 26 minutes off the bench, Curry shot 11-of-21 from the field and 5-of-10 from 3-point range in his first game since January 30.
The return marked Curry’s first regular-season appearance off the bench since 2012, a decision made to manage his minutes following a prolonged recovery from a right knee injury. Despite the loss, the game carried significance for Golden State as it prepares for the play-in tournament with five regular-season games remaining.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr emphasized Curry’s immediate impact after the game, pointing to both his scoring and influence on the team’s overall rhythm.
“Steph looked amazing,” Kerr said. “He’s worked really hard for this. You can see it doesn’t take much for him to find his rhythm. And his rhythm is also our rhythm… He changes everything.”
Stephen Curry’s Return Impact Against Houston Rockets
GettyHead coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors talks with Stephen Curry
Curry’s return came under challenging circumstances, facing one of the league’s top perimeter defenders in Amen Thompson. Kerr highlighted that matchup as a significant early test for a player coming off a lengthy absence.
“I don’t think there’s a tougher defender in the league for him to have his first game against,” Kerr said. “So that’s quite a test.”
Despite early rust, Curry quickly settled into the game. He recorded an assist on his first possession, then knocked down a 3-pointer late in the opening quarter. By the second half, he had regained his scoring rhythm, including an 11-point stretch in the third quarter that helped Golden State stay within reach.
Curry’s presence also created opportunities for teammates. His off-ball movement drew defensive attention, leading to multiple open looks and easy baskets. Kerr pointed specifically to late-game sequences where Curry’s gravity opened space for finishes near the rim.
“All the off-ball stuff that we get as a result of his movement… we got a lot of easy layups,” Kerr said. “A big one near the end based on the attention to Steph.”
Golden State nearly completed a late comeback, with Curry scoring key baskets in the final minutes. He had a chance to win the game on the final possession but missed a long 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Stephen Curry Minutes Management and Rotation Decisions
GettyGolden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry
Curry’s return also featured a notable adjustment to his role. He came off the bench by choice, a decision made in consultation with the team’s medical staff, including vice president of player health Rick Celebrini.
Kerr explained that the move was tied to managing Curry’s workload and maintaining consistent playing stretches. “He didn’t want to start and then sit for a long period of time,” Kerr said. “He just said, let’s play the last six minutes of each quarter.”
The plan initially called for about 24 minutes, though Curry slightly exceeded that. The coaching staff adjusted rotations to ensure he shared the floor with key players, including Draymond Green.
“We wanted to get Draymond and Steph together for obvious reasons,” Kerr said. “So we changed some of the other rotations to fit Steph.”
Kerr indicated that the bench role is temporary and that Curry is expected to return to the starting lineup soon, depending on how his knee responds to increased workload. The team is also expected to avoid playing him in back-to-back games as part of a cautious recovery approach.
Curry acknowledged the physical and mental challenge of returning after more than two months away. “First run was rough. Second run was great,” he said, describing his in-game adjustment process.
The Warriors have struggled without Curry, posting a 13-25 record in games he missed. His return provides a boost as the team looks to build momentum heading into the play-in tournament.
Golden State currently sits in 10th place in the Western Conference and will need to win two play-in games to secure a playoff berth. Curry’s availability, even in limited minutes, could be critical during that stretch.
Kerr summed up the broader significance of Curry’s return. “There’s a momentum and a confidence,” he said. “He’s Steph Curry for a reason.”
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