Stephen Curry’s ongoing battle with fatigue and a nagging back injury has sparked fresh concerns for the Golden State Warriors as they push for a strong finish to the regular season. After their 114-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday, March 17, head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the toll the season has taken on Curry, describing him as “exhausted” and emphasizing the need to get him some rest. The loss was particularly tough for the Warriors, who had been building momentum in recent weeks, relying heavily on Curry’s leadership and scoring prowess.
Curry struggled noticeably in that game, managing just 15 points on 28.6% shooting — a stark contrast to his usual sharpshooting performances. He also committed seven turnovers, an unusually high number for the typically composed and disciplined superstar. A botched alley-oop attempt in the final minutes seemed to seal the Warriors' fate, extinguishing their late-game rally and dropping the team to a 39-29 record, sliding them into sixth place in the Western Conference standings. This position puts them dangerously close to the play-in tournament zone, adding more pressure to the team’s remaining schedule.
In his post-game comments, Curry admitted that his back issues began flaring up last week before Golden State’s win over Sacramento. He described it as an old injury resurfacing, something he’s had to manage before. Though he downplayed the severity, it’s clear the combination of physical discomfort and fatigue has affected his recent performance. For a player who thrives on agility and quick movements — whether it’s sprinting around screens or creating space with crafty dribbling — even a minor back issue can throw off his entire rhythm.
Kerr opted to rest the 37-year-old guard for Tuesday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks — a decision that paid off. In Curry’s absence, Jimmy Butler stepped up with an impressive 24-point, 10-rebound, 8-assist performance, guiding the Warriors to a much-needed 104-93 victory. Butler’s ability to shoulder the offensive load allowed the Warriors to stay competitive, while their defense tightened up to limit the Bucks’ star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Kerr praised Butler’s leadership, especially in the fourth quarter, noting that the team relied heavily on him to close the game.
"Jimmy played the whole fourth and just took over the game," Kerr said. "We ran every play through him down the stretch, and that’s a big-time weapon to have." Butler’s performance not only secured the win but also sent a strong message that the Warriors can still contend without Curry — at least in the short term.
The Warriors now face a tough decision regarding Curry’s immediate future. With an important game against the Toronto Raptors coming up on Thursday, his status remains uncertain. The team might prioritize his recovery over short-term wins, especially with the playoffs approaching. Curry himself remains cautious, telling reporters he’ll monitor his condition day by day before deciding if he’s ready to return.
Golden State’s ability to stay competitive without their star player could prove crucial. If Butler and other key contributors like Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green continue to step up, it might allow Curry the time he needs to fully recover — a move that could be vital to the Warriors' playoff ambitions.
Beyond Curry’s health, the Warriors face a bigger-picture challenge: balancing immediate success with long-term sustainability. Over the past decade, they’ve built a dynasty around Curry’s unique skill set, and his ability to stay on the court remains the backbone of their championship hopes. However, with Curry in the later stages of his career, the Warriors may need to start thinking about how to manage his workload more strategically — perhaps even considering load management for future seasons to extend his career.
For now, though, the focus remains on the present. The Warriors have shown resilience, but their path to the playoffs is anything but secure. Every game counts, and while Curry’s absence is significant, Tuesday’s win proved they’re not entirely dependent on their superstar. If Butler can maintain his current form and the rest of the roster rises to the occasion, Golden State might just weather this storm — and come out even stronger when Curry eventually returns to the court.
