Raise your hands if you believe the Golden State Warriors will finish rock bottom and probably tank to get the draft picks. Given all the complications and blows they have faced this year, everyone expected—or even yearned—to see a downfall. But sorry, with Stephen Curry present, Golden State are pure warriors overcoming all their obstacles!

Klay Thompson took his talents to Dallas, Stephen Curry got limited playing minutes, and some young kids made it to the roster to help out the championship-contending team. Sounds bad, right? But, despite the reduced minutes, Curry remains crucial to the Warriors’ success, currently placing them third in the Western Conference with an 8-2 record. Coach Steve Kerr highlighted Curry’s evolving role, saying, “We didn’t come into the season planning on playing Steph 28 minutes a game, and I’m sure that number will go up as we go”.

The Warriors team relies on Curry, but in a new way, focusing on ball movement and other fundamentals. Curry’s 27 points and 9 assists against the Celtics showcased this shift, helping them secure the win. Curry’s ability to adapt his game is not only helping the team stay competitive but also bringing back a level of play that fans loved during the Warriors’ peak years.

Furthermore, with Curry now in his late 30s, he embraces a leadership role that extends beyond scoring. Kerr praised Curry’s game management and control over turnovers, an area the Warriors struggled with in the past. “We’re really intent on cutting our turnovers back, and he knows that’s a big part of his job,” Kerr noted.

By minimizing mistakes, Curry sets the tone for a team aiming for efficiency, with young players like Brandin Podziemski stepping up alongside him. In fact, Curry’s focused, high-impact minutes are filling the gap left by the front office’s missed opportunity to bring in additional stars like Lauri Markkanen or Paul George—another setback the Warriors faced this season.

But for Curry, this season is about more than just scoring—he’s looking to build a legacy as he continues the chase for his fifth ring.

Stephen Curry’s limited minutes and strategic celebrations highlight Warrior’s victories on the road

The Golden State Warriors have proven themselves as road warriors this season, securing victories in five away games, including a significant win against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. By defeating OKC, the Warriors kept a major Western Conference rival within reach in the standings, a strategic win that shows their competitive spirit.

Despite Curry’s reduced minutes across the last five games, his efficiency has been key to the Warriors’ success. In the recent game against the Celtics, Curry recorded six assists with minimal turnovers, demonstrating his ability to manage the offense effectively without extended playtime.

His “Night Night” celebration after the OKC victory symbolized the Warriors’ confidence and resilience, even with Curry’s limited court time. Curry’s choice of post-game celebration and Instagram post after the OKC game underscores his mindset this season.  With the caption “Solid Trip. Now- Back to the crib!” and the song choice, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Curry subtly conveyed the Warriors’ intent to maintain a tough stance against rivals, even on the road.

Curry’s limited minutes have allowed other players to step up throughout these road games, showcasing the team’s depth and adaptability. With players like Brandin Podziemski filling in during Curry’s partial games, the Warriors have managed to keep their momentum strong. By efficiently managing his time and reducing turnovers, Curry has focused on high-impact moments that energize the team and fans.

Through this mature and strategic role, Curry is helping the Warriors recapture the charm and excitement of their championship years as they aim for another title in 2024. So…. get excited, NBA fans!