‘Goofy’ Curry, Thompson ‘supportive with their antics’
Steph Curry has remained sidelined with injuries, but that has not prompted him to sit glued to the bench. Despite seeing losses pile up almost by the game, the Warriors’ star has often joined the legion of fans who want to relish in the small victories.
So when teammate Glenn Robinson III threw down a tipin dunk in a recent game, Curry waved his towel, applauded and then sprinted down the baseline.
“It’s surreal that Steph Curry is on the sideline jumping around like a little kid and cheering for me,” Robinson said. “That’s the unselfishness that he has.”
That moment offered a glimpse on how Curry has handled frustration with both his injured left wrist and the Warriors’ Western Conferenceworst 9-32 record. The Warriors have noticed injured guard Klay Thompson acting the same way. They no longer can help Golden State with prolific 3-point shooting as they did through three NBA championship runs in five Finals appearances. So they have channeled their energy toward embracing the young roster.
“That’s what our team has been in the last five years, in terms of taking a lot of joy out of a game and joy in each other’s accomplishments,” coach Steve Kerr said. “When you see Steph jumping around on the sidelines when one of these young guys is doing something well, it’s a reminder that the foundation has been built.”
In the fourth game of the season, Curry suffered a broken left wrist after Suns center Aron Baynes fell on top of it following a hard fall. Thompson has yet to play since injuring an ACL in his left knee in the decisive loss to the Raptors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals last season. Therefore, they have spent most of their time rehabbing their injuries. After completing shooting workouts in the past week, Curry will be re-evaluated Feb. 1. Though Thompson has also completed shooting workouts, the Warriors will not evaluate him until after the NBA All-Star break (Feb. 13-17).
It appears more likely Curry will return at some point this season. “There is a long way to go for him to heal and be ready to play in a game,” coach Steve Kerr said. “He just started really getting onto the court shooting and moving around. He has a ways to go, but it’s good to see him out there.”
Thompson will sit out for the remainder of the season. Regardless, they have exerted their presence elsewhere.
Whenever a teammate has stolen the ball, Curry has lifted his hand out of his pants pocket to indicate someone was just pickpocketed. When the Warriors make a run that prompts an opponent to call a timeout, Curry and Thompson are the first to stand up and high-five teammates. Thompson served as a guest analyst on NBC Sports Bay Area during a Warriors-Bulls game, which ended in Thompson interviewing teammate Omari Spellman about the win.
“They’re just supportive with their antics and are goofy,” Spellman said. “They’re trying to keep it uplifting and loose instead of it being so hectic and chaotic. It’s definitely appreciated that the older guys are taking the time to talk to us younger guys.”
Their teammates depict Curry and Thompson as more than just cheerleaders, though.
Sometimes, they offer advice on shooting, training or on the playbooks.
Sometimes, they rehab around the team so they feel connected and their teammates can observe their routine.
Sometimes, they ask their teammates questions about their background.
Sometimes, they praise their teammates after an encouraging performance.
Sometimes, they encourage them through the losses.
“Seeing them do that to these young dudes is going to be big,” Warriors center Willie CauleyStein said. “They’re giving them confidence. When star players are telling you to shoot it or do something else, it gives you a whole different kind of mindset.”