Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From Game 2 vs. Blazers

2. Curry Should Probably Sit Game 3

Speaking of top priorities, there’s no need for the Golden State Warriors to rush Curry back. Though he’s obviously eager to return and Game 3 has frequently been mentioned as a target return date, the Dubs shouldn’t push him if he’s not 100 percent ready.

With the way this series is going — much like the Warriors’ first round series against the Rockets — Golden State may not even need him until the next round. After all, a 2-0 series lead with the victories coming by an average margin of 11.5 points doesn’t exactly scream, “We need our MVP back now!”

According to Diamond Leung of the Bay Area News Group, Curry had platelet-rich plasma treatment in his sprained right knee as part of his ongoing rehab. With Game 3 not being until Saturday night, there’s a possibility Curry will be cleared to play by then.

For that to happen, Curry has to return to basketball activities first. Up to this point, it’s just been light shooting drills, but until he takes part in 3-on-3 or 5-on-5 contact drills and can get through them without pain or setback, he should be kept on the sidelines. For the time being, the Warriors’ unbelievable supporting cast has his back.

To be fair, the Dubs need Curry back in this series sooner rather than later — not because they need him to beat the Blazers, but because they want him to be fully re-acclimated to the speed and flow of the game before (ideally) reaching the Western Conference Finals.

But even with Game 3 not being until Saturday, the Warriors should seriously consider keeping Curry out at least one more game, saving his return for Monday’s Game 4 at the earliest.

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