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Injured, Not Finished: Stephen Curry Eyes Final Playoff Push

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Rakin Harrasy | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 10:46 AM ET

Stephen Curry will miss All-Star Weekend with a knee injury, but he remains focused on a potential final playoff run as the Warriors fight for a spot.

The timing could not be more critical for the Golden State Warriors. However, they should view it as a positive that their franchise star is able to rest and recover during the All-Star break. With the West tight and Warriors eighth, Curry needs every day to heal and restore leadership, spacing and championship grit. With time running down, Curry understands the stakes, and this playoff push could be his last hope.

Injured, Not Finished: Stephen Curry Eyes Final Playoff Push

Why the All-Star Break Matters

After Curry was officially ruled out of the All-Star Game by head coach Steve Kerr earlier this week, the Warriors have confirmed that his focus is now fully on rehabilitation and preparing for the final stretch of the season. This weekend’s break allows the 12-time All-Star to have extra days to recover without the pressure of rushing back into game action, risking further injuries.

Curry aims to return after the All-Star break against the Boston Celtics on February 19. This gives him roughly a week to continue recovering from the runner’s knee condition that has lingered for some time.

Feb 14, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Stephen Curry speaks during interviews at media day at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

One Last Push for the Playoffs

The 37-year-old guard feels the pressure that comes with the final stretch of his NBA career. As the face of the franchise in his 17th season, Curry sees that opportunities for another deep playoff run are limited. With injuries stacking up from his secondary scoring engine, Jimmy Butler, to uncertainty surrounding Draymond Green’s future amid recent trade speculation, the margin for error no longer exists. Much of the conversation surrounds whether the Dubs can make the playoffs, but Dub Nation is left wondering if this team can even survive the play-in picture. After going 0-3 in NBA Play-In Tournament games in 2021, 2022 and 2024, a guaranteed playoff spot has never felt more urgent. At 29-26 and with four wins in ten games, Golden State desperately needs its point guard. If Curry returns fully healthy and continues averaging 27 points a game, the Warriors instantly become one of the most dangerous lower seeds in the Western Conference.

What the Warriors Have Missed Without Curry

Without Curry on the floor each night, Golden State loses its sense of identity. Confidence drops, pace slows, and the offense weakens. The energy and chaos that defined the franchise’s championship eras disappear.

Lately, the Warriors have struggled to find clean looks, as the ball sticks instead of flowing. Defenders load up on shooters, shrink the floor and force tough, late-clock shots. Curry is needed now more than ever to turn life in the Bay around for the seven-time champions.

So far this season, Golden State is 6-10 without him. But his impact goes far beyond scoring. He bends entire game plans, traps opponents to defend high and creates space for everyone on the floor. His return could finally restore belief and ignite one last championship push.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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