Reports: Steve Kerr provides realistic return date for Warriors superstar Steph Curry
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr mentioned a realistic date for Steph Curry's return. Kerr revealed that the Warriors are targeting January 13 as a return date during their road game against the San Antonio Spurs. Here's what Kerr said (via NBC Sports):
"I think so," said Kerr while confirming January 13th as Curry's return date. "He's progressed really well, there have been not setbacks. He's getting on the court and doing more and more each day. So we're hopeful, next week sometime he'll comeback soon, so we'll see how it goes."
Steve Kerr confirms Jan. 13 against the Spurs is a realistic return date for Steph https://t.co/nvKJMKBgFR
Curry has missed the last 10 games due to a shoulder injury he sustained against the Indiana Pacers on December 14. The Warriors have gone 6-4 during that stretch, putting themselves back above the .500 column. All five of those wins, however, have come at home, where they are 17-3 for the year. Their struggles on the road have continued, where they are 3-16 this season.
The disparity has remained both with and without Steph Curry. However, he was the most reliable and consistent player on the team before his injury. Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Jordan Poole and the rest of the group have stepped up in Curry's absence.
Steph Curry's return comes at a crucial juncture for Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have a winning record in Steph Curry's recent 10-game absence. However, aside from the 123-109 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Christmas Day, the Warriors have had to fight and claw to achieve positive results.
They ran out of steam in their last game against the Detroit Pistons at home, which ended in a 122-119 loss, courtesy of Saddiq Bey's buzzer-beater. Despite the rest of the group stepping up, the Warriors won't be able to hold the fort in Curry's absence.
It's not easy to replace a 30 points per game scorer. Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole have been the only players to score 25+ points nightly since Curry went down with the injury. Only two other players, Donte DiVincenzo and Ty Jerome, have averaged double-digit scorers, but not more than 10 PPG apiece.
Steph Curry's mere presence on the court also makes a difference for the Warriors. With the way the rest of the group has stepped up over the last few games, the Dubs could rekindle their magic from last season. They will look to jump up the Western Conference standings once Curry returns.