Stephen Curry’s Pelvic Contusion Raised Concerns About Warriors’ Playoff Hopes

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Stephen Curry, the face of the Golden State Warriors, recently suffered a pelvic contusion during a game against the Toronto Raptors. The injury, which forced him to leave the game early, has raised concerns among fans and analysts about his recovery and the impact on the Warriors’ season.

With Curry set to be re-evaluated soon, let’s break down what happened, the medical details of his injury, the impact on Golden State’s playoff hopes, and when we can expect him back on the court.

The Moment of Injury: How It Happened

Curry sustained the injury during the third quarter of the Warriors’ matchup against the Toronto Raptors on March 20, 2025.

With 3:24 remaining in the quarter, Curry made a drive toward the basket.
He collided with Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo and landed hard on the floor.
Immediately, he grabbed at his lower back/pelvic area and was visibly in pain.
After attempting to stand, he was helped off the court and went straight to the locker room.

The Warriors managed to pull off a close 117-114 victory, but all eyes were on Curry’s status after the game.

Medical Update: MRI Results & Injury Severity

Following the game, Curry underwent an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. The results revealed:

Pelvic contusion (a severe bruise to the pelvic region)
No structural damage (no fractures or ligament tears)

The good news is that this is a soft tissue injury, meaning there’s no long-term structural risk. However, pelvic contusions can be painful and limit mobility, especially in a sport that requires explosive movements like basketball.

What Is a Pelvic Contusion? A Closer Look at the Injury

A pelvic contusion occurs when there’s a direct blow to the pelvic region, leading to bruising of the bones and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms of a Pelvic Contusion:

Pain & tenderness in the lower abdomen or hip area
Swelling & bruising around the impact site
Limited mobility due to discomfort
Soreness when sitting, walking, or running

Recovery Timeline for Pelvic Contusions

Mild cases: 3-7 days of rest
Moderate cases: 1-2 weeks before returning to full activity
Severe cases: Several weeks of rehab, depending on pain levels

Curry’s recovery will depend on his ability to move pain-free. While the MRI results were positive, the Warriors will monitor his progress closely before allowing him back into game action.

Impact on the Golden State Warriors: Can They Win Without Curry?

Curry’s Season Performance Before Injury

Before this setback, Curry was having another MVP-caliber season, averaging:

24.2 points per game
6.0 assists per game
4.4 rebounds per game
41.3% from three-point range

His ability to create offense, stretch the floor, and lead the team makes him irreplaceable.

Warriors’ Record Without Curry

This season, the Warriors have gone 7-3 in games without Curry. While this shows resilience, it’s clear the team is much stronger with him on the court.

In their first game without Curry against the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State struggled:

Lost 124-115
Defensive breakdowns led to 57% shooting by the Hawks
Jordan Poole stepped up with 25 points

Coach Steve Kerr emphasized that the team must adapt quickly if Curry misses more games.

Who Needs to Step Up in Curry’s Absence?

Without Curry, the Warriors’ rotation will shift, putting pressure on other key players.

1. Jordan Poole – The Temporary Leader

Poole has shown flashes of brilliance as a scorer, but he must improve his playmaking and decision-making in Curry’s absence. Expect him to:

Take on more ball-handling duties
Increase his scoring output
Be the team’s go-to option in crunch time

2. Klay Thompson – The Veteran Presence

With Curry sidelined, Thompson’s ability to hit threes and space the floor becomes even more critical. However, he must:

Avoid forcing low-percentage shots
Improve defensive consistency

3. Draymond Green – The Playmaker & Defensive Anchor

Green’s role is more about orchestrating the offense and keeping the defense intact. His responsibilities include:

Being the primary facilitator on offense
Keeping the team’s defensive intensity high

4. Moses Moody & Jonathan Kuminga – The Young X-Factors

Both Moody and Kuminga have an opportunity to shine. If they step up, the Warriors can stay competitive.

What’s Next? Curry’s Road to Recovery & Expected Return

Current Status:

Ruled out vs. Atlanta Hawks
Not traveling with the team
Re-evaluation scheduled for Monday, March 24

Potential Return Timeline:

If mild pain: Curry could return in 1-2 games
If moderate discomfort: Curry may miss the entire road trip
If prolonged soreness: The Warriors could rest him for multiple weeks

Warriors’ Upcoming Schedule (Next 5 Games)

Atlanta Hawks (L 124-115)
Miami Heat – March 22
Orlando Magic – March 24
Charlotte Hornets – March 26
New Orleans Pelicans – March 28

If Curry isn’t fully healed, the team may hold him out until they return home on March 30.

Should the Warriors Be Concerned?

The Good News:

✅ No fractures or ligament damage

✅ Curry has a strong history of bouncing back from injuries

✅ The Warriors have a winning record without him this season

The Bad News:

❌ The Warriors are fighting for playoff positioning

❌ If Curry isn’t 100% by playoff time, their championship hopes take a hit

Long-Term Outlook

If the Warriors are cautious and allow Curry to heal properly, he should return at full strength before the playoffs. The key is ensuring that he doesn’t rush back too soon.

Final Thoughts: What Fans Should Expect

Stephen Curry’s pelvic contusion isn’t a season-ending injury, but it does create short-term challenges for the Warriors.

Key Takeaways:

Curry’s injury is painful but not serious
Recovery time depends on his pain levels
The Warriors must find a way to win without him

The next few games will test Golden State’s depth, coaching, and ability to stay competitive. If they hold down the fort until Curry returns, they’ll still be in prime position for a playoff run. But one thing is clear: The Warriors’ championship hopes rest on Stephen Curry’s health.