## Stephen Curry’s Right Knee Flares Up, Forcing Star Guard Out of Pistons Game
The Golden State Warriors suffered a double blow on Friday night, not only falling 131-124 to the Detroit Pistons but also seeing their cornerstone, Stephen Curry, exit the game early due to a re-aggravation of soreness in his right knee. The star’s premature departure cast a shadow over an already disappointing loss, raising concerns about his availability moving forward.
### A Painful Pause in the Third Quarter
The incident unfolded with just 4:28 remaining in the third quarter. Curry drove hard to the basket, successfully converting a stumbling layup even as he drew a foul. However, the exertion proved costly. Immediately after the play, the veteran guard was visibly grimacing and struggled with a noticeable limp. Within 20 seconds, he left the court, engaging in a brief discussion with team trainers before heading directly to the locker room. Post-game, Curry was observed icing his right knee and continued to limp as he exited the arena, opting not to address waiting reporters.
### A Persistent Patellofemoral Problem
This latest setback isn’t an isolated incident for the four-time NBA champion. Curry’s right knee has been a recurring issue, recently landing him on the Warriors’ injury report earlier in the week. Following an individual workout session in Minneapolis, he experienced swelling and discomfort in the very same knee. The team’s medical staff officially diagnosed the condition as patellofemoral inflammation, a term that unfortunately now resonates with increasing frequency.
### Coach Kerr Offers Cautious Optimism
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr provided an initial assessment after the game, attempting to temper immediate fears. “I think he’s OK,” Kerr stated, adding, “I don’t think it’s anything major, but we’ll have an update Saturday.”
However, Kerr later confirmed that Friday’s flare-up was directly linked to the same knee issue that had previously sidelined Curry from Monday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He candidly acknowledged the ongoing challenge, saying, “It’s been nagging him recently.”
### Navigating the Road Back to Full Strength
Prior to his early exit, Curry had been making an impact, tallying 23 points in just 25 minutes of play. His recent game log highlights the team’s ongoing efforts to manage this condition: he was listed as questionable for last Sunday’s game in Minneapolis but ultimately played, contributing to a win over the Timberwolves. The coaching staff then made the decision to rest him for the subsequent rematch on Monday. He was cleared to return for Wednesday’s road contest against the Utah Jazz and, until Friday night, for the meeting with Detroit.
Fortunately, the Warriors now have a three-day break in their schedule before returning to action on Tuesday at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. This crucial period will offer Curry vital time for treatment and recovery, with the hope that he can return to the court fully rejuvenated and put this nagging knee issue behind him.