Stephen Curry Addresses Motivating Warriors Co-Star During Injury Recovery

Stephen Curry's lengthy absence was one of the biggest topics for the Golden State Warriors in the 2025-26 NBA season. Initially, it was thought that Curry's runner's knee would only lead to the four-time champion being benched for a while. However, the Davidson star missed 27 straight games.

Curry's injury left Draymond Green as the only star player on the roster. Green tried his best to keep the team afloat and be within the play-in tournament range. Fortunately for the Warriors, their best player returned on April 5 before the regular season ended.

His presence in the lineup gave the team life ahead of the play-in tournament.

Stephen Curry Promised His Return to Draymond Green

On Tuesday's practice, Curry revealed that he motivated Green to keep playing and fighting for their season. He also told his co-star that he had promised to return in the regular season.

"That was the biggest motivating factor, was to not let the season go by and not just have an opportunity to play," Curry said.

Curry was unaware that it would take longer for him to be cleared to play due to his injury. But he kept reassuring Green that he would be on the floor with him and the rest of the Warriors.

"I kept telling [Green] I felt bad for him, because I couldn't do anything to help him. But he was battling, showing up every night, giving us what he had. So for me just to even just have a chance to play, I don't take that for granted, because two weeks ago, like there was a couple days I didn't know if I'd have the chance to even get out there."

Curry and the Warriors are set to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in the play-in tournament. It's the only way for them to keep their season alive and be in the playoffs. However, they need to win two games in the tournament. They will play the team that loses tonight, between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns, following their game against the Clippers.

THE BRACKET IS SET pic.twitter.com/bqSnxeDnzv

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Health has been the biggest factor for the Warriors. The team suffered a season-ending ACL injury to Jimmy Butler in January. His injury crippled the team offensively, and it mostly had to rely on Curry. Golden State also experienced a season-ending injury to Moses Moody. The young guard was having the best year of his career when he went down with a torn left patellar tendon against the Dallas Mavericks in March.

Despite the various setbacks from the injuries, Curry and the Warriors are eyeing a spot in the playoffs.

Related: Steph Curry Shares Health Update Before Play-In Tournament

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 5:31 PM.