Seth Curry Returns After Long Injury Absence as Warriors Regain Valuable Shooting

The Golden State Warriors endured a frustrating 119–116 loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday, but the game still carried a positive development for the team. Veteran guard Seth Curry returned to the lineup after a lengthy absence, marking his first appearance since early December.

Curry had been sidelined for 40 games while recovering from a painful sciatic nerve injury that severely limited his mobility for weeks. His return offered a boost to a Warriors team that has been navigating injuries and rotation changes throughout the season.

Despite playing just 12 minutes, Curry quickly reminded observers of the skill that has kept him in the league for over a decade. The sharpshooting guard scored 13 points and knocked down two three-pointers, including one on his very first possession after entering the game.

For Curry, simply stepping back onto the court represented a significant milestone after months of uncertainty. The road back from his injury was long and at times discouraging, but his brief performance showed that his trademark shooting touch remains intact.

1. A Long Road Back to the Court

Curry’s return capped a difficult stretch that began shortly after he joined the Warriors earlier in the season. The veteran guard signed with Golden State during the preseason, but roster rules required the team to briefly release him before bringing him back later in the year. That arrangement meant Curry initially had to wait for his opportunity to officially join the roster and reunite with his brother, Stephen Curry. The Warriors eventually added him in late November, setting the stage for what many hoped would be a meaningful role in the team’s rotation. However, his season quickly took an unexpected turn. After appearing in only two games with Golden State, Curry experienced a severe flare-up of a sciatic nerve issue that forced him out of action. The injury proved more debilitating than anticipated. Curry recalled waking up one morning unable to move properly, leaving him confined at home and unable to participate in normal basketball activities for nearly a month.

2. Rehabilitation and Renewed Confidence

Once the worst of the pain subsided, Curry began the long process of rehabilitation. Regaining his mobility and strength required patience, as the injury had left him struggling with even basic movement during the early stages. For much of the season, Curry could do little more than watch from the sidelines as the Warriors battled through injuries and roster adjustments. That period was particularly frustrating for the veteran guard, who believed he could help the team if he were healthy. Gradually, his condition improved. By the time the All-Star break arrived, Curry began to feel noticeable progress in his recovery, both physically and mentally. The improvement gave him renewed belief that a return before the end of the season was possible. During that time, he increased the intensity of his workouts and eventually returned to participating in live basketball activities. Those sessions confirmed that his body could handle the pace and demands of NBA play again.

3. A Familiar Shooting Touch

When Curry finally stepped onto the court against Utah, the results looked immediately familiar. His first offensive possession resulted in a clean three-pointer, a reminder of the shooting ability that has defined his career. Even after months without game action, Curry appeared comfortable finding his rhythm. The guard has built a reputation over the years for being able to quickly contribute offensively, even when entering games with limited minutes or preparation. That ability has been essential to his longevity in the league. Known primarily as a perimeter shooter, Curry has often filled roles where instant scoring is required, making his readiness to perform without extended warm-up time a valuable skill. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that impact after the game, emphasizing that Curry’s shooting could be particularly important as the team deals with injuries to other players. With several rotation pieces still sidelined, Golden State may rely on his scoring ability in the coming weeks.