Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry avoided a major injury during a public open practice on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after sliding on the floor and leaving the court with a right ankle tweak, head coach Steve Kerr told reporters. The incident immediately raised eyebrows across the franchise with the regular season opener just days away, though team leadership quickly dismissed fears that the 38-year-old superstar had aggravated the right knee injury that sidelined him for 27 games late last season.
The sequence unfolded during an open practice session when Curry executed a sharp change of direction, causing his right foot to slip on the parquet floor. The four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP stopped abruptly, walked cautiously to the sideline, and headed straight to the locker room. As ClutchPoints reported, team radio partner 95.7 The Game captured footage of Kerr shaking his head and confirming immediately after the workout that his veteran guard merely tweaked his ankle rather than his knee.
Steve Kerr Confirms Ankle Tweaks and Manages Veteran Load
Speaking directly to media members following the practice, Kerr offered immediate reassurance regarding his star player’s physical condition. Yeah, he said it’s fine,
Kerr stated, shaking his head to emphasize that the issue was minor rather than a long-term concern. The relief within the organization was palpable, especially given Curry’s extensive medical history during the 2025–26 campaign, which restricted him to just 43 games due to a combination of ankle, quadriceps, and knee issues.
Steve Kerr on Stephen Curry not wanting to leave the Warriors"When we talked the end of last year, I asked him if that was a consideration. And first thing he said was, ‘I'm not moving my family. You know, that my family is so important to me. They're happy here.’ And he said,… pic.twitter.com/4vfaV7hucs
The timing of the scare underscores the delicate balance facing Golden State’s coaching staff as they prepare for an 82-game regular-season grind. Kerr acknowledged earlier in the week that Curry and fellow veteran Draymond Green will be managed carefully throughout the upcoming campaign, meaning neither player is expected to appear in every single contest. The franchise locked in Curry’s future in late September by signing the 12-time All-Star to a two-year contract extension worth $116 million.
Golden State Prepares for Season Opener Against Los Angeles Lakers
The Warriors are scheduled to tip off their 2026–27 campaign on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, hosting the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center. While Curry’s status for the opening night matchup remains officially unconfirmed following his Sunday exit, his reassurance to the coaching staff suggests he dodged a severe setback. If Curry requires additional recovery time before opening night, Golden State possesses several backcourt options to absorb minutes, with De’Anthony Melton listed as the immediate backup point guard alongside rotation pieces like Gary Payton II and Brandon Williams.
Sunday’s open practice brought contrasting fortunes for NBA veterans. While Curry’s ankle scare proved minor, the Sacramento Kings announced on the same day that Australian guard Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a workout. Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick who signed a one-year deal with Sacramento in September, faces immediate surgery.
Next Steps for Warriors Roster Management
Golden State enters the final days of its preseason preparation with mandatory practice sessions leading directly into Wednesday’s opening clash against Los Angeles. Team medical staff will monitor Curry’s right ankle during the lead-up to tip-off to determine whether he takes the floor for his 18th NBA season opener.
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