Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has been ruled out for at least two weeks after suffering a torn abdomen during Wednesday’s loss to the Houston Rockets.
The 38-year-old underwent an MRI after leaving the court in the first quarter, with scans confirming an oblique abdominal tear that will keep him out for at least seven games.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr admitted there was significant concern about the injury, especially after Curry revealed he had never experienced anything like it.
“The concern is high,” Kerr said.
Curry began experiencing discomfort in his right side a few minutes into Wednesday’s game, but initially tried to continue playing.
With 7:22 left in the first quarter, the two-time MVP came off a Draymond Green screen and made a 28-foot 3-pointer before screaming in pain and gesturing to the bench.
He finally left the contest with 6:25 left in the first quarter and underwent medical checks.
The Warriors face seven games without Curry
Golden State will now be without its leading scorer for upcoming games against the San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers.
The Warriors already have several key absentees, with Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody recovering from long-term knee injuries, while Kristaps Porzingis has stepped away from basketball.
Brandon Williams is also expected to miss at least a week with a hamstring problem.
Golden State struggled without Curry last season, posting just 13 wins in the 39 games he missed.
However, Green believes the current team is better equipped to deal with his absence.
“The spirit of this team is better,” Green said.
“We’re more confident in who we are, what makes us a good team. I think that puts us in a better position to be successful without him than where we were last year.”