Steve Kerr addressed the media after the Golden State Warriors' 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors. When asked about Stephen Curry's back injury during the game, Kerr confirmed that he suffered a pelvic injury and that he was undergoing an MRI as he spoke. Curry could have returned to the game, but the Warriors decided to shut him down as a precautionary measure so as to not further aggravate his injury
"Getting an MRI of his pelvic/tailbone area. He was trying to come back. He thought he might be able to come back. But we just decided not to risk anything. Hopefully, it's not bad but he's getting imagery right now... By the time we got down there, he was already getting the imagery."
Curry injured his back during a drive to the basket, after making some contact with Jonathan Mogbo and Colin Castleton. After falling to the floor, Steph immediately began clutching at his back, and you could tell that he was in a lot of pain. He was given a heating pad for his back as he exited the game, and didn't return after going back to the locker room.
Prior to the injury, Curry was having a decent game, putting up 17 points (6-8 FG), two rebounds, one assist, and one block in just 25 minutes. Luckily for him, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green were able to see out the Warriors' win, although the Raptors did make them work for it by making it a very close game.
Butler had a triple-double with 16 points (4-15 FG), 11 rebounds, 12 assists, two steals, and two blocks. While Draymond stepped up offensively to deliver 21 points (7-18 FG), seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. It was a great sight to see the Warriors' two best players step up when Curry had to exit the game with an injury.
Hopefully, Curry's injury is not too serious, and he can make a speedy recovery and return to help the Warriors acquire a high seed in the Western Conference. The trade for Jimmy Butler has proven to be the injection of energy needed this season, as the former All-Star has completely turned their fortunes around after what had been a rough season prior to his arrival.
Butler is the ideal complimentary star for Stephen Curry, as he excels in areas where Stephen Curry isn't at his best, like hustle plays and defense. On top of that, Butler is also great at driving to the basket and making it to the free-throw line, something he has shown since arriving at Golden State.
The Warriors currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 41-29 record. They have a realistic chance of acquiring a top-4 seed in the conference but would have to win most of their games while hoping that teams ahead of them get some bad results in the coming weeks. Golden State could legitimately be a scary team for some top sides in the West to face in the first round of the playoffs.
