Steph fully participates in Warriors’ first playoff practice originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SAN FRANCISCO — Steph Curry took a big step forward Wednesday in his recovery from a sprained ligament in his left foot, as he was a full participant in the Warriors’ first playoff practice, just four days before Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets.
Curry went through situational drills, found himself in the middle of all parts of practice and Andre Iguodala indicated that Steph was with the starters when two groups were formed for practice. The Warriors star told Steve Kerr after practice that he feels good, and all signs point to him scrimmaging Thursday. Now, the Warriors wait and see how his foot recovers one day later ahead of that hopeful scrimmage.
“We’ll re-evaluate tomorrow, but I would say right now it’s looking good,” Kerr said.
With all the work that Curry has been doing since sustaining his injury on March 16, Kerr isn’t too worried about Steph’s conditioning. That will be clear as day during the Warriors’ scrimmage, presuming Curry can participate in all aspects of it. After that, everything is in the hands of the training staff.
Take a look for yourself, though. From his movements to his shot, it sure looks like the two-time NBA MVP and three-time champion hasn’t lost a step.
For Warriors coaches and players, that has to be a welcome sight. Not so much for the Nuggets.
Gary Payton II is about to have his crack at the playoffs, and if all goes right, his first look at Playoff Steph. That’s a different being, no matter what skeptics might say.
Whatever version of Curry was out on the court Wednesday certainly brought a smile to Payton’s face. Understandably so.
“He looked like Steph,” Payton said. “That’s a good sign and I know he’s going to keep getting better and doing whatever he’s got to do to be ready. So, excited — he looked like Steph.
“It’s exciting.”
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The Warriors won their last five games of the regular season without Curry to earn the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Don’t get it twisted, though. They would have done anything to have a healthy version of him on the court this past month.
Even with that five-game win streak, the Warriors still went 8-10 without Curry this season. Having him be a full participant in practice, admittedly, brought an instant confidence boost to the entire team.
“It’s exciting,” Payton said. “We know what he brings. We know what he brings on the court and how he helps out. How he makes things difficult for other teams and easier for us. We’re just sticking to the game plan.”
As Curry goes, so do the Warriors. One big box was checked Wednesday, with a giant one awaiting him and the Warriors one day later.
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