He’s playing through pain, battling an injury that would sideline most—but Stephen Curry just proved that heart beats stats. What he said after the game will make every fan proud—and worried.

The Golden State Warriors were spiraling. A two-game losing streak. Injuries stacking up. Playoff position slipping through their fingers. And then—he came back.

On Friday night, inside the roaring Chase Center, Stephen Curry made his return to the hardwood, giving Warriors fans a much-needed shot of hope. It wasn’t just any game. This was a must-win. And even at less than 100%, Curry showed up—and showed out.

But after the final buzzer, it wasn’t the 23 points or the six assists that got people talking. It was what Curry said afterward.

“I’ll feel it for a while, but I can play,” he admitted, giving reporters a rare, vulnerable glimpse into what he’s battling behind the scenes.

The Fall That Shook the Warriors

Curry had missed the last two games with what was reported as a pelvic injury—but according to the superstar himself, it was far more serious than initially believed. He compared the fall to a painful moment from 2021, when a game against the Houston Rockets left him with a hairline fracture.

“It felt eerily similar,” Curry said postgame. “I knew right away it wasn’t nothing.”

That 2021 injury forced him to miss weeks. This time, with the postseason looming, he refused to sit out longer than absolutely necessary. The team, sitting at No. 7 in the Western Conference, desperately needed their captain back. And he answered the call.

A Warrior’s Return

Despite the lingering pain, Curry logged 35 minutes, scoring 23 points on 7-of-21 shooting, including a whopping 16 three-point attempts. The efficiency wasn’t his usual electric self, but the impact? Undeniable.

The Warriors edged out the New Orleans Pelicans, halting their skid and improving to 42-31, drawing level with the LA Clippers in the standings.

“We needed this win more than anything,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “And we needed Steph.”

Even at 37, even with nagging injuries, Curry remains the heartbeat of this team.

Behind the Smile, a Battle

To the untrained eye, Curry’s return looked like business as usual. But those close to the team know the truth: the recovery process hasn’t been easy. Sources close to the medical staff revealed the injury was “concerning” and involved significant discomfort during movement.

“He’s playing through something most guys would sit out for,” one team insider revealed. “But he’s Steph. He’s different.”

Curry, known for his lighthearted personality and calm leadership, hasn’t complained once. But after the game, the mask slipped just a bit.

“You deal with the pain. You learn how to play through it,” he said. “But it lingers.”

And lingering is exactly what the Warriors can’t afford. With just nine games left in the regular season, every win matters. Every minute matters. And Curry knows it.

Age, Pressure, and the Clock Ticking

At 37 years old, Curry is no longer the kid running circles around defenders with a carefree smile. He’s a veteran, a leader, and perhaps most importantly, the one thing standing between the Warriors and a potential first-round exit.

The team has battled injuries all season. Klay Thompson’s rhythm has been inconsistent. Draymond Green’s defensive edge hasn’t always translated into wins. And with the Western Conference tighter than ever, Curry’s health is now the single most important variable in the Warriors’ playoff fate.

“We go as far as Steph takes us,” Kerr said bluntly.

And right now, Steph is playing through pain—because he has no choice.

Fans React: ‘This Man Bleeds for the Bay’

After Curry’s comments postgame, social media lit up with support.

“Steph is out there fighting through pain for this team. That’s a real leader,” one fan tweeted.

“No excuses. Just buckets. Just heart,” another wrote.

The reaction wasn’t just about basketball—it was about resilience. About a man choosing to carry the weight even when his body is telling him not to.

What Comes Next?

The Warriors’ schedule isn’t forgiving. They’ve got a string of tough matchups ahead, and Curry’s minutes will have to be managed carefully. But he’s made one thing clear: he’s not stepping aside.

“I’ll be out there,” he said. “That’s all you need to know.”

So now, as the playoffs approach, Warriors fans find themselves praying not just for wins—but for Steph’s body to hold up just a little bit longer.

Because with Stephen Curry, even a step slower and in pain, the Warriors have a chance. Without him? The road ahead gets a whole lot darker.

Steph Curry said his recent injury reminded him of that hard fall on his tailbone in Houston back in 2021. But this one isn’t as bad. Deep contusion as opposed to hairline fracture in 2021.

Here is full health update from Curry pic.twitter.com/2OCtFQHkYI

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 29, 2025