Warriors Cruise Without Curry, Expect Star Guard’s Return Tuesday

The Golden State Warriors earned a much-needed victory Sunday night at Chase Center, routing the Indiana Pacers 114-83 despite missing star guard Stephen Curry for a third consecutive game. The two-time MVP continues to recover from an illness that has sidelined him since last week but is expected to rejoin the lineup Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Curry’s absence has tested the Warriors’ rhythm after a promising 4-1 start to the season. The 36-year-old came down with the illness following Golden State’s recent road swing through Indianapolis and Milwaukee, playing through fatigue in a home win over the Phoenix Suns before sitting out subsequent losses in Sacramento and Denver.

Head coach Steve Kerr said the team’s medical staff ultimately decided to err on the side of caution against Indiana. “Steph’s feeling better, but we just wanted to make sure he’s 100 percent before he gets back out there,” Kerr told reporters before tipoff.

The decision paid off in the short term. Playing with renewed energy, Golden State ended an eight-game losing streak in games without Curry — including the playoffs — while holding the Pacers to their lowest point total of the season.

1. Team Finds Its Groove Without Its Leader

Sunday’s win represented a collective effort from a Warriors team desperate to regain momentum. Balanced scoring and stifling defense allowed Golden State to pull away early and never look back. The team’s veterans set the tone, while younger contributors provided energy on both ends of the floor. Kerr credited his players for executing the game plan despite Curry’s continued absence. “The guys responded exactly how we needed them to,” he said. “We defended, moved the ball, and played with purpose.” Golden State’s performance came at a critical time. After opening the year strong, the Warriors had dropped four of their last five entering Sunday. Their offense had stagnated without Curry’s shot-making, and defensive lapses had cost them close games on the road. Against Indiana, however, the Warriors looked more cohesive. The ball movement was sharper, and their bench unit — which had struggled early in the season — provided key minutes, helping the team regain confidence ahead of a challenging upcoming road trip.

2. Pacers Short-Handed in Defeat

The Pacers entered Sunday’s contest with a depleted lineup of their own, playing without several rotation players including forward Pascal Siakam. Indiana had just wrapped up a tough road loss in Denver the previous night and appeared fatigued from the outset. Despite Tyrese Haliburton’s best efforts to organize the offense, Indiana struggled to find consistent scoring. The Warriors’ defense held the Pacers below 40% shooting from the field, effectively neutralizing their transition attack. Golden State capitalized on Indiana’s short bench, outscoring the Pacers 54-34 in the paint and dominating the rebounding battle. By the fourth quarter, the outcome was no longer in doubt, and Kerr was able to rest his starters in the closing minutes. For Indiana, the loss marked a rare off night for a team that had been one of the league’s most efficient offensive units early in the season. The Pacers will look to regroup as they continue their road trip.

3. Eyes on Curry’s Return and Road Ahead

With the win, the Warriors improved their record to 5-5, ending a frustrating stretch marked by inconsistency and Curry’s absence. The team now turns its attention to Tuesday’s game in Oklahoma City — the first stop of a six-game, five-city trip that could define their early-season trajectory. Kerr expressed optimism about Curry’s availability, saying postgame that the guard “should be good to go” against the Thunder barring any setbacks. The four-day rest period appears to have helped Curry regain strength, giving Golden State hope of returning to full form. The Warriors know that sustaining success without their franchise cornerstone is difficult, but Sunday’s performance offered a reminder of the team’s depth and resilience. With Draymond Green’s leadership and Klay Thompson’s shooting beginning to find rhythm, Golden State aims to stabilize before a crucial stretch of Western Conference matchups. As Curry prepares to return, the Warriors believe their brief struggle could pay long-term dividends — a reminder that even without their star, they can still find ways to win.