Steph Curry plans to play in the Golden State Warriors’ critical regular-season finale with the Los Angeles Clippers despite suffering a thumb injury in their win over Portland Trail Blazers.
Having slipped up with a potentially costly defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, the Warriors bounced back with a 103-86 victory on Friday.
But the win was marred by concern over Curry, who was hit on the thumb of his shooting hand late in the first quarter in Portland.
He returned in the second and third quarters before resting in the fourth with the Warriors firmly in command. Curry went 6-14 shooting, tallying 14 points.
X-rays on the thumb were negative and Curry made it clear there is no question of him sitting out as the Warriors aim to clinch a play-off spot with a home win over the Clippers at Chase Center on Sunday.
Asked if it was a new issue or an aggravation of thumb issues he has had at various points in the season, Curry told a press conference: “From what I know just a reaggravation of the same thing but, hopefully, it wasn’t anything serious.”
On whether it impacted his shooting, Curry added: “It did a little bit just because it was fresh pain, but I don’t think it’ll last too long.
“It hurts right now but I’ll be alright.”
If the Warriors win, they will be guaranteed a top-six seed and a place in the postseason. Should they lose, then the Warriors would likely have to settle for a play-in berth, as the Minnesota Timberwolves could leapfrog them into the sixth seed with victory over the Utah Jazz, who are tied for the worst record in the NBA (17-64).
“I don’t want to be too dramatic,” Curry said about the regular-season finale. “It should be like a Game 7 kind of vibe. You win and you control your destiny on a guaranteed playoffs series. If you lose, you roll the dice.”
The Warriors are 0-3 in the play-in tournament in its still relatively brief history, but head coach Steve Kerr is focusing on the positives of their situation.
Golden State cannot finish lower than the seventh seed. If they end the regular season in that position, the Warriors will essentially have two opportunities to clinch a play-off spot with a home win.
“We have three potential home games to get into the playoffs,” said Kerr. “I think that’s a good way of looking at it. We’re in a great spot.”
For the sake of his recovery, Curry will be especially hopeful they only need one.
