What encouraged Stephen Curry during his injury absence

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Things could have looked a lot more dire if it had Golden State Warriors they were unable to hold the fort without Stephen Curry.

But instead of coming home from their three-game road trip looking to their all-around star coming off a quad contusion to save them from sinking, the vibe is the opposite.

Curry returns to the Warriors team it was 3-2 in the five games he missed. He returns to a team whose morale has significantly improved with a quick 2-1. Whether it’s from Pat Spencer-maniathe impressive advanced defensive metrics they’ve boasted of late, or the fact that an identity finally seems to be coming together, Golden State has found something without its core superstar.

And now the question is how the Dubs can build on that momentum with Curry poised to return to the lineup with more than two weeks of rest and rehab on his side. The obvious answer is that it shouldn’t be too difficult. After the Warriors’ light practice Thursday afternoon, Curry talked about how the Warriors held down the fort without him and what encouraged but about their game.

“The idea of ​​just playing good basketball, making simple plays, getting organized offensively, that’s what I’ve seen the last three games,” Curry said.

He pointed out how much cleaner the Dubs played. Better spacing principles, determination when closing in on open shots and a confidence that oozes from everyone on the floor.

“The ball just had energy. And so I know when I’m out there, I try to create the same kind of actions,” Curry continued. “Everybody’s been watching, reading the game and taking the shots you’re supposed to take. None of that should change when I’m out.”

Asked Steph Curry about his return amid the Warriors finding some momentum and identity along the way while he was away:

“It seemed like we were just a little bit more organized … Everyone was watching, reading the game and taking shots to make. pic.twitter.com/8k5gh392Tk

— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) December 11, 2025

Golden State’s quest to find some momentum

With a 13-12 record, and treading water above and below .500 for much of it, the Warriors have struggled to find their feet 25 games into the season.

Kerr has gone through 13 unique starting lineups so far, due to a combination of injuries, load management and matchup-specific game plans. Some days they look like world beaters. Other days they seem completely rudderless and lifeless. Even their advanced metrics are all over the place. They rank 21st in the league in offensive rating (113.6), but 4th in the league in defensive rating (112.0).

Curry understands the Dubs haven’t lived up to their potential this season. But with the positives from the trip and the good vibes building up, Curry feels like everything is fine.

“Nobody’s happy with our record. Nobody feels like we’re a day away from being the best team in the league. But we also know that the road ahead is right there. And to come back the way we did after the Philly game and that road trip, it speaks volumes for where we’re at mentally. And it’s all sustainable. So our job is to become a challenge to stay on the team, not to enjoy it. But we’re starting to feel what it takes.

How Golden State keeps the wind blowing at their backs will be their next step. They have a hold on the guard positions to discover. Questions about Jonathan Kuminga’s minutes and his situation continues to loom over it. Health will continue to be a concern for the aging veteran, namely Al Horford, and his sciatic nerve injury.

Regardless, there is real optimism emanating from Curry and the rest of the Dubs.

“Morale is pretty high,” Curry said. “It’s great to see guys feel what it’s like to go out there and have an idea of ​​how you need to execute and then actually do it. That’s another contagious feeling over a long 82-game season.”