Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says superstar point guard Stephen Curry won't return to the lineup on Sunday against the Washington Wizards.
Kerr says the Warriors want to see Curry's conditioning improve before the two-time MVP plays in a real game again:
“Zero concern, in terms of reinjuring anything,” Kerr said, via Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “It’s just a feel thing for Steph. Nerve damage, that term sounds terrible. But I think all it really refers to is that area feels kind of numb to him. Steph has to get used to a different feeling in his hand.”
So, again, he’s being held out purely for conditioning reasons?
“Purely,” Kerr said. “The hand is healed and strong. That’s been the case for the last week. But, again, like I told you guys the other day, he’s been limited to two scrimmages. Both scrimmages included some random people we found on the street, with all due respect to Klay Thompson’s pals and our assistant coaches and training staff.
“We needed a higher-level scrimmage for Steph to be part of. The Santa Cruz option was perfect. You’re dealing with a group of guys who are in the middle of their season, toward the end of the season. It’s a much better gauge for him. I liken it to a baseball player playing a simulated game in the minor leagues. It’s a much better step of preparation than we’ve been able to offer.”
Kerr also added that he wants Curry to develop on-court chemistry with former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins. He also wants younger players on the Warriors to watch how Curry conducts himself in practice on a daily basis to learn good habits.
Curry was averaging 20.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game on the season for the Warriors before he hurt his hand. He was shooting 40.9 percent from the field, 24.3 percent from beyond the arc and a perfect 100 percent from the free throw line in four contests.
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