Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has returned to the court after missing three games due to illness, marking another chapter in what has become a season marked by intermittent health challenges for the two-time MVP. After sitting out against the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets, Curry made his return on November 11, 2025, in a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He logged 11 points in 20 minutes, easing back into action as he continued to regain strength following his recent setback.
The Warriors had been cautious with Curry’s workload as he recovered, especially given the cluster of minor health issues he has faced this year. His recent illness arrived shortly after a short absence earlier in the season caused by a cold, and before that, Curry also missed time due to a hamstring issue that sidelined him for roughly a week. While none of these incidents were long-term concerns on their own, the accumulation has made Curry’s season a stop-and-start campaign.
A Season of Physical Management
Though Curry remains one of the NBA’s most conditioned athletes, the Warriors have been deliberate in managing his minutes, particularly during stretches of consecutive games or increased travel. The team’s medical staff has emphasized a long-term view as they navigate the physically demanding schedule.
Curry’s periodic absences have required Golden State to adjust their rotations, relying more heavily on guards such as Brandin Podziemski and veteran Chris Paul to shoulder playmaking responsibilities. Still, the offensive rhythm of the Warriors is always at its best when Curry is on the floor, and his return has provided a noticeable boost to the team’s spacing, pace, and confidence.
Past Health Challenges Add Context
Over the years, Curry has spoken openly about several health-related issues he has learned to manage, including keratoconus, a condition that affects the curvature of the cornea. He has previously discussed how vision corrections improved his shooting clarity, helping him adapt and maintain his trademark accuracy.
This season’s combination of a hamstring flare-up, a cold, and his recent illness serve as reminders of how much physical maintenance is required to keep Curry performing at an elite level deep into his 30s.
Warriors Remain Focused on the Long Haul
Golden State understands the importance of keeping their franchise cornerstone healthy, particularly as they navigate a competitive Western Conference. The Warriors have prioritized caution over urgency, recognizing that their postseason hopes hinge significantly on Curry’s availability and effectiveness.
Head coach Steve Kerr emphasized that while Curry’s recent illnesses and minor injuries were frustrating, they were not unexpected in the grind of a long NBA season. “Our priority is always Steph’s health. When he’s right, everything else falls into place,” Kerr said earlier this year.
Looking Ahead
With Curry now back on the court, the Warriors aim to rebuild momentum as they move into the heart of the schedule. The team expects to continue monitoring his workload, balancing his desire to compete with the medical staff’s cautious approach. If Curry can maintain consistent availability, Golden State believes it can reestablish itself as a contender in the West.
For now, Warriors fans can breathe easier—Steph is back, and even in limited minutes, his impact is undeniable.
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