Stephen Curry scores 39 in return as Warriors juggle rotation issues
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SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry came back from a five-game absence Friday night and poured in 39 points, but the Golden State Warriors still dropped a home contest to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Curry shakes off quad injury
The two-time MVP logged 32 minutes, hitting 14 of 28 shots and opening the game with 10 points in his first eight minutes. He later fueled a fourth-quarter rally with 14 points, drilling three three-pointers during the stretch.
“Started to feel normal again,” Curry told reporters, saying the outing helped him “get my lungs back and feel like myself.” Head coach Steve Kerr added, “The movement, the flow — he looked great.”
Curry remained in San Francisco during the club’s recent road trip to focus on treatment and joined a team scrimmage Wednesday night before receiving medical clearance.
Backing Jonathan Kuminga
The veteran guard also addressed the status of third-year forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has been left out of the rotation for the past two games. “We still have high hopes that he’ll impact our team this year,” Curry said, urging Kuminga to stay engaged because “you’re a game or two away from it coming back to you.”
Guard logjam grows
Curry’s return gives Golden State nine available guards, with DeAnthony Melton recently debuting and Pat Spencer carving out minutes. “We have a lot of guys now,” Kerr said. “It’s a great problem to have, but it’s not an easy problem to solve. There’s not a ton of separation between our players.” The coach noted that the rotation remains fluid and will “evolve” as the season progresses.
Draymond Green set to rejoin team
Forward Draymond Green, who missed the last three games for personal reasons, is expected to link up with the Warriors on Sunday in Portland. Kerr said Green’s previously aggravated mid-foot sprain has healed, and the final decision on playing time will rest with director of sports medicine Rick Celebrini.
Source: Hoops Wire
