The Golden State Warriors didn't miss a beat without Stephen Curry in Game 5 as they closed out the Houston Rockets in their first round series.

Sure, they would've loved to have their MVP on the court doing his thing, but it wasn't much of an issue against such an inferior opponent.

Now that both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are out of the playoffs with injuries, the Clippers, who many critics cited as having a chance to defeat Golden State in the second round in wake of Curry's absence, are probably going to be knocked out by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Against either Portland or a shorthanded Los Angeles squad, the Warriors should be fine without Steph, but that won't stop him from expediting his return.

According to Monte Poole of CSN Bay Area, Curry is working his tail off to try and return before the originally proposed timeline of two weeks (ending on May 9th).

Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) sit on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena
Former Warrior Nick Young admits ‘confusion’ on JR Smith ruining LeBron James’ NBA Finals masterpieceJosue Pavon ·
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends against Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Warriors’ Draymond Green reveals Kevin Durant trade was ‘at finish line’Troy Finnegan ·
Stephen Curry Olympics dagger against France
Clippers’ Nic Batum drops eye-opening take on Stephen Curry’s Olympic heroicsAlex House ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles upcourt against the San Antonio Spurs in the second period at Chase Center.
Warriors rumors: Jonathan Kuminga free agency hit with harsh reality from InsiderJulian Ojeda ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the third quarter at the Chase Center with Richard Jefferson in the background
Richard Jefferson drops Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Stephen Curry takeJosue Pavon ·

VIDEO: Steph Curry goes bananas celebrating a Klay Thompson 3-pointer

Just a couple days ago, Curry said that he's starting to feel better and plans to start working on the court next week. Now, it appears he's trying to return to game action by next week.

Poole also stated that Steph is yet to perform any shooting drills, but he's getting treatment on his knee three times a day to try and speed up the process.

Of course, the Warriors training and coaching staffs will make sure Curry doesn't return too quickly. As a competitor, obviously he wants to get back out there immediately, but it's unlikely that Steve Kerr and the rest of the Warriors' brass will let it happen until they're 100% confident that his body is ready to go.