Golden State Warriors and their dismal start to 2019/20 continues, with All-Star guard Stephen Curry breaking his left hand after a nasty fall overnight during their 121-110 defeat by the Phoenix Suns.
Curry, who tallied 72 points, 20 assists and 15 rebounds in three matches prior, sustained the injury when attempting to split the Suns’ defense on a one-man fastbreak in the paint.
As Kelly Oubre Jr and Aron Baynes stood tall over the 6ft3in guard, he landed awkwardly on his hand when shaping to shoot through contact – before Baynes unintentionally fell onto him, further compounding the injury.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne reported that the 31-year-old has a fracture in the second metacarpal, the bone in the hand below the index finger. Post-game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr was in reflective mood following the news that another of his key players is set for an extended period on the sidelines:
”Obviously it’s been a tough start for us on many levels, so we’re just trying to find our footing and obviously [Steph’s injury] this puts us in a tough spot. We’ll assess it and go from there.
Baynes came up after the game and just wanted to know how Steph was doing, you could tell he felt really bad. It was just a random basketball play, so stuff happens – just one of those things.”
Meanwhile Curry took to social media today, posting a photo on Instagram waving his injured hand with the caption: ”Appreciate all the love/texts/support all that. Be back soon!”
Curry’s injury another untimely blow for newlook Warriors
Having undergone an initial CT scan, the Warriors said they will have specialists assess those results tomorrow before deciding the best course of action – though there is no time-frame on his return.
The typical recovery for a broken hand is five-to-eight weeks, though this can take longer should the person require surgery. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reaffirmed the franchise’s short-term fears, suggesting they will have work to do ahead of 2020’s draft class with a high draft pick in the offing.
He was quoted as saying: ”I don’t think there’s anybody in Golden State who expects Curry back at least within the next couple months. [Warriors GM] Bob Myers will be out on the road scouting, because they’re going to have a very high draft pick in this coming draft.”
Meanwhile owner Joe Lacob believes this presents an opportunity for younger players to step up in his absence, saying: ”I saw it happen, so obviously sad – it’s not good. But sort of a silver lining maybe, because some of our young players are going to get an opportunity to play. I like our young players a heck of a lot. Ironically I’m an optimist so we’ll see what happens.”
Nonetheless, this is in stark contrast to where the Warriors found themselves just a few months ago, on the verge of a historic three-peat heading into the NBA Finals before the injury curse struck. Klay Thompson (torn ACL) and Kevin Durant (torn Achilles) within weeks of one another put them at a significant disadvantage, before the latter’s offseason move to Brooklyn was confirmed in free agency.
Klay may still return at some stage this season, though Kerr’s comments earlier this month suggested it’d be wise not to expect anything – given the serious nature of his injury and possible recovery length.
Mo and Sports 