After regular encouraging updates about Stephen Curry, a final report on the 4x champion’s status ahead of the Washington tip-off has fans breathing a sigh of relief. A left ankle peroneal strain has kept the Splash Bro sidelined since October 27. Although the Dubs have done an admirable job holding the fort in his absence, the ‘Curry effect’ is something else altogether.

Anthony Slater of The Athletic dropped the final update on the 10x All-Star. “Steph Curry will play in DC tonight. Returns after a three-game absence.” And as soon as the news was posted, relieved comments from fans took over the comment section.

Take this user, for example. “My depression has been cured,” he wrote, clearly referring to the state that the guy was in without Steph on the floor, a sentiment, no doubt millions of folks would echo.

Slater, on November 1, had tweeted the most encouraging update. “Steph Curry will participate in parts of practice tonight in Houston, I’m told. Starting now. Out tomorrow. But re-evaluated on Sunday. Sounds like he could theoretically return on Monday at Wizards.”

Videos and clips of Curry draining shots followed this update. In fact, yesterday, the 36-year-old had completed his usual pregame shooting routine. Over the first 3 matchups, the ‘Chef’ averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, while shooting 41.5% from the field and 40.7% from deep. The Golden State, for its part, held a 2-1 record in this period.

Of course, so far, the 104-112 loss to the Clippers is their only defeat. Now, with the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’ back, and the rest of the team continuing to play like they did in their superstar’s absence, would it be too big of a stretch to assume that the Warriors could be a threat to Boston this time?

While you give it some thought, why don’t we look at a few more enthusiastic reactions?

Stephen Curry’s return excites Bay Area community: “Time to start cooking”

Despite ‘Chef Curry’ being absent for only 3 games, and that too, this early in the season, has been worrying for fans. Well, they do have enough reasons to do so. The Warriors’ last season was underwhelming, at best. They lost a cornerstone player and could not make an impactful trade in the offseason to really help Curry carry the team to another title under his leadership. But everything we have seen from GSW so far has been nothing short of promising.

Perhaps that’s why this fan was jubilant that with Stephen Curry’s return, the team actually stands a chance at putting together a winning season. “It’s time to start cooking!” content creator JD wrote, followed by an introductory video of Steph with his signature smirk.

This next fan, a Steph Curry fan page, to be exact, seems to have thoughts along similar lines. “DEMONNNNNN HOMEEEEEEE,” they commented, effectively conveying the excitement and almost supernatural expectations that fans have when No. 30 takes the floor. It is also perhaps a reference to his demonic-like performances, with quite a lot of fans calling him a ‘demon on the floor’ on multiple occasions, especially when he gets into one of those scoring rhythms that feels nearly unstoppable.

Another fan account also had something of a similar nature. “WEE BACKK.” And finally, this user said, “GOAT BACK BABY LETS GOOOOOOOO,” followed by a long line of flame emojis. In a stretch of away games after the ongoing Washington one, the Bay Area side will next face the Celtics, Cavs, and Thunder, at their respective arenas, and then the Mavs back at the Chase Center.

With Stephen Curry’s return to Steve Kerr’s unique ’13-man’ rotation, it’s clear that fans are more than ready to witness their star player ignite the Warriors’ season and push for a promising run toward another championship. Hopefully, it starts with a win tonight.