76ers HC Doc Rivers blames COVID-19 for Seth Curry's struggles

Philadelphia 76ers guard Seth Curry started the 2020-21 season on a high note, but then he tested positive for COVID-19 in January and hasn't been the same since. 

The 30-year-old returned to the lineup on Jan. 22 against the Boston Celtics and since then has been very inconsistent. Curry notched 15 points against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, but followed that up with a four-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. 

After the 112-109 loss to the Cavaliers, 76ers head coach Doc Rivers said he blamed the coronavirus for Curry's recent struggles. 

"I don't think he's been very consistent since he's returned from COVID," Rivers said, according to Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire. "We have heard that other players have been in and out like this as well. So, the best thing to do is just keep playing him and that's what we're doing."

Several players who have contracted COVID-19 this season experienced similar inconsistencies. Most of those players have bounced back, so there's hope Curry will be able to figure things out. The North Carolina native is averaging 12.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this season while shooting 46.2% from the field and 44.9% from deep. 

Philadelphia is first in the Eastern Conference, but it's largely thanks to the play of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris.