The Golden State Warriors face significant challenges maintaining competitive performance with superstar Stephen Curry sidelined by injury. The team currently holds eighth position in the Western Conference with a 10-10 record, reflecting their inconsistent season performance.
Curry underwent an MRI examination following Wednesday’s game against the Houston Rockets and will be reevaluated in one week. This timeline suggests the veteran guard will miss at least three games, though the Warriors typically exercise caution with injury recoveries.
With Curry unavailable, increased offensive responsibility falls to Jimmy Butler, who has extensive experience as a primary scoring option. The team also faces defensive challenges with Gary Payton II recovering from an ankle sprain sustained during the same game.
Jimmy Butler has been a star in his role for 'sad' Warriors, but they need him to be an actual star
(By @bradbotkincbs)https://t.co/8TJJF0TnHL
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) November 28, 2025
Head Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the substantial impact of Curry’s absence on team strategy. “It obviously changes everything,” Kerr stated. “Our rotations, how we’re playing, who we’re playing through—so we’ll see.”
Butler emphasized the importance of Curry’s long-term health while expressing confidence in the team’s temporary capabilities. “We go as far as he goes, but we want him to be right,” Butler commented. “I think we can hold the fort down for a couple of days.”
Report: Warriors G Stephen Curry avoids serious quad injury, to miss week https://t.co/YdYCgHqKXE https://t.co/YdYCgHqKXE
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 28, 2025
Butler identified defensive performance as the team’s primary concern during this challenging period. “I don’t care about offense, we need to guard somebody,” he stated. “We’re good to score, but I don’t want the offense if we’re missing shots to dictate not going and guarding.”
The veteran player committed to maintaining his aggressive approach while urging teammates to improve defensive intensity regardless of offensive performance fluctuations.
Read: Stephen Curry Enters Animation as Producer and Star of ‘GOAT’ Movie
Golden State’s immediate success depends on developing consistent contributions from secondary players and establishing defensive stability during their superstar’s recovery period.