Steph Curry: Kevin Durant jokes about WORRY over Warriors star's playoff injury return
KEVIN DURANT jokingly admitted that he was worried about Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry ahead of his injury return - because of the way he was acting strange in training rather than because he was still struggling for fitness.
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Point guard Curry was out for over a month - missing 16 games - due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee.
But he announced his return in style in Game 2 of the Warriors’ Western Conference semi-final series with the New Orleans Pelicans, posting 27 points, seven rebounds and two assists at Oracle Arena.
The two-time MVP’s return, and particularly his immediate return to form not far from his best, is a huge boost for Steve Kerr’s team as they seek to retain their NBA championship.
And Durant laughed that he couldn’t wait for Curry to return but he was driving himself stir-crazy in practice, in addition to the boost of having back his on-court impact.
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When he’s out there, he’s creating just pace with his movement off the ball and the pick and roll
Asked about what Curry was like waiting to return, Durant said: “Very anxious.
“A couple of days ago in practice he just couldn’t stop running and jumping and making weird noises - I’m glad he’s back. I was a little worried about him for a second!
“Our offense definitely picks up the pace [with Curry on the floor]. Defensively, we stick to the same principles.
“When Steph is not out there, the off-ball movement, the space, that stuff is obviously different.
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“When he’s out there, he’s creating just pace with his movement off the ball and the pick and roll.
“Then you’ve got two shooters in the corners with him and Draymond [Green] and the pick and roll.
“That just spreads the floor out even more. On the defensive side, we still stick with what we do.”
The Warriors, who lead 2-0, return to action in New Orleans for Game 3 on Saturday morning (1am UK time).