Stephen Curry is back—and the Golden State Warriors are banking on their aging superstar to pull off the improbable.
The two-time MVP returned to action last weekend after missing more than two months with a right knee injury, immediately reminding fans why he remains one of basketball's most electrifying players. His celebratory shimmy returned too, as did the familiar magic that has defined his 17-year career.
But time is running out. At 38 years old, Curry knows opportunities like this don't come around forever.
The Warriors face a daunting road: sitting at the 10th seed in the Western Conference, they must win two consecutive elimination games just to secure the 8th seed and a playoff berth. Golden State faces the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night in the opening game of that gauntlet.
A Season Derailed by Injuries
Golden State's campaign has been plagued by misfortune. Guard Jimmy Butler went down in January with a torn ACL. Forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield were dealt to Atlanta at the trade deadline. New acquisition Kristaps Porzingis has battled his own health issues. The injuries have robbed the team of continuity and momentum—until now.
"There's a momentum and a confidence," head coach Steve Kerr said of Curry's return. "He's Steph Curry for a reason."
Curry's first game back proved that assessment. He scored 29 points in a narrow loss to the Houston Rockets, driving past former teammate Kevin Durant and drawing fouls with the precision that has made him the greatest scorer of his generation.
Dignity in the Fight
When asked about Golden State's longshot chances, Curry offered a philosophy that speaks to both his character and the Warriors' mindset heading into the playoffs.
"Until we get bounced from whatever this is, we're going to approach it the same way: dignity, competitiveness and confidence that you can win any game," Curry said. "That's just the mentality we have."
He could have sat out the remainder of the season. There were tough moments in the training room during his recovery. But Curry chose to return and fight, despite the uncertainty of his injured knee holding up under playoff intensity.
Guard Gary Payton II summed up the Warriors' outlook simply: "Whatever we put our mind to—now that Superman's back."
Draymond Green, who has appeared in 68 games this season and has won four championships alongside Curry under Kerr's coaching, understands what's at stake. For this veteran core, the championship window is closing. Every opportunity matters.
Steve Kerr, who has coached some of the greatest players in basketball history, offered high praise for his superstar's character and impact. "He's the greatest face of a franchise in any sport I've ever seen," the coach said.
One Last Push
Whether Golden State can navigate the Western Conference gauntlet remains uncertain. But with Curry back on the court, shimmying after big shots and proving he's far from finished, the Warriors suddenly look like a team nobody wants to face in a win-or-go-home scenario.
That's the Curry effect—the confidence he brings, the expectations he carries, and the refusal to quit that has defined his extraordinary career.
This article is based on reporting from the Lethbridge Herald. Read the original story here.