MIAMI — After the Warriors’ practice at Barry University, a horde of about 100 students swarmed Jimmy Butler on his way out to the parking lot.
They must not have known Steph Curry was in the building.
Curry, 37, met the team in Miami and practiced at the unassuming private Catholic university outside downtown. He was re-evaluated in the morning for his pelvic contusion and is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Heat — Butler’s first action against the team he brought to two NBA Finals.
The Warriors didn’t scrimmage, but head coach Steve Kerr said Curry looked good at practice. The two-time MVP also went through an individual post-practice workout.
“He was moving great,” Kerr said before joking that it was surprising that he knocked down a bunch of shots.
Curry missed the Warriors’ game in Atlanta, a 124-115 loss to the Hawks in which Golden State’s defense didn’t travel. The Warriors (41-30) lead Minnesota by a half-game for sixth place in the Western Conference before Monday night’s slate.
On the season, Curry is averaging 24.2 points and six assists per game while leading the league in 3-pointers per game (both attempts and makes) for a second straight season. He needs to play at least five of the Warriors’ final 11 games to be eligible for end-of-season awards like All-NBA.
Curry suffered the injury late last Thursday against the Raptors after taking a hard fall on a drive. He has also dealt with bilateral knee tendinitis, a sprained thumb and a couple minor ankle sprains this season.
Golden State’s Tuesday night game against Miami has become one of the most anticipated of the season because of Butler. The wing has downplayed its significance, but the team nonetheless expects a charged atmosphere in Kaseya Center for Butler’s return.
Related Articles
Warriors wing Jimmy Butler downplays anticipated Miami return
Surveying potential first-round matchups for the Warriors
Warriors defense lapses in Atlanta for loss in first game of road trip
Saint Mary’s Sweet 16 bid may hinge on Marciulionis vs. Alabama All-American
Kurtenbach: The Warriors avoided the worst with Steph Curry’s injury. It was still a harsh reminder
The Warriors have a history of these types of games. In 2017, after Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City for the Warriors, Thunder fans chanted “cupcake” at the forward and the environment was particularly hostile. Kerr called it the most emotional return game he’d been a part of and said, “it got ugly.”
Then, the Warriors rallied around Durant with support. It should be more of the same for Butler in Miami. It could be extra motivation for Curry to return to the court.
“Steph feels an obligation, always, to be there for his teammates, regardless of the circumstances,” Kerr said. “He’s an amazing teammate. He wants to get back as soon as possible mainly so we can win games and climb the ladder in the playoff race. No doubt he wants to be there for Jimmy, too. It’s one of the things I love about Steph: He’s always there for his guys.”
