Stephen Curry Nears Return as Warriors Eye Late-Season Push With Star

The Golden State Warriors have managed to stay afloat during a challenging stretch without their leader, but the absence of Stephen Curry has been impossible to ignore. For nearly two months, the team has had to navigate games without its primary playmaker and emotional anchor.

Curry has missed the last 25 games due to a knee injury, leaving Golden State to rely on depth and system play to remain competitive. While the Warriors are still in position to secure a Play-In Tournament berth, their ceiling without Curry remains limited.

Recent developments, however, suggest that help may be on the way. Curry’s participation in a full five-on-five practice session has provided a promising sign that his return could be approaching sooner rather than later.

Even so, both Curry and the organization are taking a cautious approach. With the postseason looming, ensuring his long-term health remains the top priority.

1. Encouraging Progress in Recovery Process

Curry’s return to full-contact practice marked a significant step forward in his rehabilitation. Participating in five-on-five action indicates that he is regaining confidence in his movement and conditioning after weeks of limited activity. Following the session, Curry expressed optimism about his progress while acknowledging the unpredictability of his recovery. He noted that his knee felt good during the scrimmage, but emphasized the need to monitor how it responds afterward. That caution stems from previous setbacks, including an attempted return around the All-Star break that was delayed when his knee did not respond as expected. Those experiences have reinforced the importance of patience in the recovery process. For the Warriors, each positive step brings renewed hope. While no official timeline has been set, Curry’s progress suggests that his return may be on the horizon.

2. Warriors Holding Ground Without Their Leader

Despite Curry’s absence, Golden State has managed to remain competitive in a tightly contested Western Conference. The team’s ability to stay within playoff reach reflects both resilience and adaptability. Role players have stepped into larger responsibilities, helping to offset the loss of Curry’s scoring and playmaking. However, the offense has lacked the same fluidity and explosiveness that he typically provides. The Warriors’ current trajectory points toward participation in the Play-In Tournament, a position that offers opportunity but also carries uncertainty. Without Curry, advancing beyond that stage would be a significant challenge. His eventual return could dramatically alter those prospects, giving Golden State the firepower needed to compete against higher-seeded opponents.

3. Veteran Star Balances Urgency With Caution

At 38 years old, Curry understands the importance of managing his body carefully. Years of deep playoff runs have added significant wear and tear, making recovery decisions more complex at this stage of his career. Despite the injury, Curry has continued to perform at an elite level when available. In 39 games this season, he has averaged over 27 points per game while maintaining strong shooting efficiency from both the field and beyond the arc. That production highlights his enduring value to the Warriors and underscores why the team is prioritizing a cautious return. Rushing back too soon could risk further setbacks that might jeopardize their postseason ambitions. As the regular season winds down, the balance between urgency and long-term health will define Curry’s timeline. If he can return at full strength, the Warriors’ outlook could shift dramatically.