Steph Curry’s Ankle Scare Highlights Podziemski’s Breakout Night Against Kings
The Golden State Warriors fell 124-118 in Sacramento on Friday. The loss came despite a late spark from Brandin Podziemski.
Curry’s ankle scare and status
Steph Curry slipped on a wet spot with about nine minutes left in the first quarter. He rose limping and drew a timeout from coach Steve Kerr.
Curry, 38, was in his third game back after missing over two months with a runner’s knee injury. He consulted Warriors VP of player health Rick Celebrini on the bench.
The issue proved to be an ankle tweak, not his knee. Curry finished with 11 points in 27 minutes, going 3-for-8 from the field.
He iced the ankle after the game and received treatment in the locker room. Curry said he expects to be available for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Clippers.
Podziemski’s breakout night
Brandin Podziemski, 23, reached a career high with 30 points. He made the decisive second free throw with 4.5 seconds remaining.
He missed the first attempt and smiled when teammates reacted on the bench. The milestone capped a persistent search for his first 30-point outing in three NBA seasons.
Podziemski also noted the personal significance of playing every game this season. The Sunday finale will be his 82nd game, a point he called gratifying.
Teammates, promotions and social buzz
Stephen Curry joked about celebrating Podziemski with a milestone sign, invoking past big-scoring nights. Veterans Kevon Looney and Buddy Hield earned mention for mentoring him.
A Sacramento promotion would have rewarded fans with pizza if Podziemski had missed both free throws. Social media attention swelled after his final make.
An X account, @currysnotafraud, had pledged not to tweet until Podziemski scored 30. The account posted after the game, drawing widespread engagement.
Play-In implications
The Warriors have hovered in the 10th seed in the Western Conference. They are preparing for a potential 9/10 Play-In matchup with the Clippers.
Los Angeles lost to Portland on Friday, which moved the Trail Blazers into the No. 8 slot. If Portland beats Sacramento on Sunday, the Blazers will clinch the eighth seed.
Kerr expects Curry to play on Sunday to regain rhythm ahead of the Play-In. Curry hopes to log his normal 30-32 minutes to prepare for a win-or-go-home scenario.
Filmogaz.com covered the game and the surrounding developments. The Warriors will reconvene for the season finale and immediate postseason preparation.
