Stephen Curry will play in play-in if knee allows, Kerr says
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DALLAS — Golden State coach Steve Kerr said Monday night that Stephen Curry will take the court in the NBA play-in tournament, provided the guard’s sore right knee is cleared by team doctors.
Speaking before the Warriors closed a six-game road swing against the Dallas Mavericks, Kerr dismissed any suggestion the club might rest its star unless a full playoff berth is secured. “If Steph is healthy, he’s going to play because that’s what we’re here for,” Kerr told reporters at American Airlines Center.
Curry, 38, has not appeared in a game since Jan. 30 because of patellofemoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in the knee. The team postponed a scheduled practice workout for him on Sunday after medical staff advised additional testing. “It’s all just part of the rehab,” Kerr explained, adding that activity was simply “pushed back a day or two.”
Golden State entered Monday in 10th place in the Western Conference. Finishing in that spot would require the club to win two road contests to reach the postseason. Kerr acknowledged the Warriors’ position: “We are squarely in the play-in no matter what we do,” he said.
The Warriors are 23-16 with Curry and 10-22 without him this season, including a 1-8 skid that contributed to their 6-15 record since his latest injury. Curry leads the team at 27.2 points per game.
Kerr emphasized that Curry will not be risked if doctors fear long-term damage. When asked whether the two-time MVP was disappointed about the practice delay, the coach sidestepped the question but noted, “He’s dying to get out there for sure.”
Source: ESPN
