Do we have another setback taking shape? After a hiatus off the court with an ankle injury, Stephen Curry finally returned to the starting line-up. Despite a slow start to the Wizards game, the Splash Bro ended the first half on a high, sinking a buzzer-beating three-pointer. While everyone expected the hooper to come back for the second half with the same zeal and look sharper, Curry made every Bay Area fan skip a heartbeat, as he delayed his return!

The superstar didn’t start the game in the third quarter like he usually does. According to Anthony Slater, Stephen Curry spent the first half break “stretching/getting that ankle loose.” Moreover, Slater observed a new pattern in the legend’s rotation policy, saying, “It seems to me this is about spreading out Steph Curry’s rotation pattern better than in the first half when he had the prolonged rest. Bringing him off the bench allows for six on, six off, six on. He’s stretching in the tunnel currently.”

It’s important to note that Stephen Curry is back on the court for the second half. He clocked in around the 7th-minute mark and played the entire stretch of the third quarter. Following that, Coach Steve Kerr once again held him back for the fourth quarter, as he trusted Moses Moody and Lindy Waters III for the shooting job. However, the sharpshooter finally clocked back in with 5 minutes remaining in the game while the Warriors held a comfortable 9-point lead.

Without a doubt, it’s an extension of the left peroneal ankle strain that Stephen Curry sustained during the clash against the LA Clippers. The superstar rolled his ankle twice on that day! After that disastrous outing, the hooper missed three games in a row and finally made his way into the line-up. Did Steve Kerr chalk out a new rotation policy?

Steve Kerr’s unique rotation policy amid Stephen Curry’s ankle situation

Unlike any other season, this time, the Warriors have one of the deepest rosters in the league. Even if Steve Kerr misses out on three of his key players, the 9x NBA Champ still can run a competitive team. And, this situation has also led to confusion, especially with regards to Jonathan Kuminga. The young gun has proven himself as one of the most developed players on the roster.

The head coach, however, pushed JK to the second unit during Stephen Curry’s three-game absence, causing a stir among the fans. Nevertheless, this uncanny attempt helped Steve Kerr find another promising talent in Lindy Waters III. Speaking of the situation, Kerr added, “Two days ago, I was thinking, well, maybe I’ll just play 10 and I’ll just have to tell two of these guys that they’re going to sit… And I couldn’t justify that. … This is as deep a team as I’ve ever coached, and we’ve gotta lean into that.” 

The positive takeaway from this situation is it allows Steve Kerr to manage Stephen Curry’s minutes gradually without affecting the result of the game. And, once he gets back to his usual groove, we hope that the veteran plays his usual minutes. Tonight, Steph played 24 minutes, scoring 24 points with 4 three-pointers. What do you make of the Warriors’ depth? Let us know in the comments.