Stephen Curry is expected to make his 2018 playoff debut in Game 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday night, and the two-time MVP is trying not to set his expectations too high. In fact, he seems to have a very attainable goal.
On Monday, Curry told Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated that he simply hopes to not play poorly after missing so much time.
“Just not suck after missing five weeks,” Curry said. “That’s my goal.”
Curry has been out since March 23 with a sprained MCL in his right knee, and the Golden State Warriors have had the luxury of not having to rush him back. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the opening round of the playoffs and already have a 1-0 lead over New Orleans. He probably could have played in Game 1, and he admitted he was disappointed he did not get the green light.
“I know what the situation is,” Curry said. “It’s something that was kind of unforeseen, and you have a conversation about as you get close because of how the games fall, whatever day it is based on my rehab process. I would say I was disappointed because I woke up [April 28] feeling like I might be able to play [in Game 1], but not much like I’m not where I need to be at this point.”
The star point guard added that the way his teammates have played in his absence has not surprised him.
“It didn’t surprise me at all,” he said. “These dudes have been playing amazing. A lot of people try to key in on my return. But our locker room has confidence that they can get the job done whether I’m out there or not. So that is the confidence we have to have to win a championship.”
Fortunately, it sounds like one report about how long Curry would be held out was inaccurate. It goes without saying that the Warriors are a better team with Curry on the floor, which should be a terrifying thing for their opponents.
