Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry made his return from a 16-game absence, including the first six games of the 2018 postseason, on Tuesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. He didn't start, however, but was still very effective finishing with 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals, and six turnovers.
In an interview with 95.7 The Game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that Curry, who came off the bench in Game 2, would start in Game 3 in New Orleans.
Steve Kerr tells @DamonBruce Steph will start Game 3: "Oh yea."
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 3, 2018
Curry, who did not have a minutes restrction in his first game back with the Warriors, played 27 minutes off the bench in Game 2. He also added five three-pointers on the night, showing that he basically hadn't missed a step in his first game back. Even more shocking? Curry finished with a plus/minus of +26 in his 27 minutes.
The Warriors needed all 28 of his points and they only won by five at 121-116. Kevin Durant added 29 points, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three blocked shots for Golden State. That was enough to counter the 25 points and 15 rebounds from Anthony Davis as well as the 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists from Jrue Holiday.
If Curry is indeed 100 percent and will not be on a minutes restriction again, it's not looking very good for the Pelicans. However, New Orleans and their fanbase have to be encouraged by the fact that they nearly stole Game 2 despite getting the short-end of the whistle.