For the first time since the 2007-08 campaign, the Golden State Warriors have dropped their opening three games of an NBA season, marking the worst start for the franchise since Stephen Curry joined the roster in 2009, MARCA reported. The 38-year-old missed a 131-122 loss to the Phoenix Suns with right knee soreness, compounding an early-season injury crisis that leaves the club searching for stability.
Stephen Curry Misses Out as Injury List Mounts
Playing their third game in four nights, the Warriors opted to rest several key contributors alongside Curry. Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green, and Al Horford all sat out due to back problems, depleting Golden State’s rotation against a sharp Phoenix side.
The absences added to an already crowded training room. Jimmy Butler remains sidelined following a torn right anterior cruciate ligament suffered in January, with his return not anticipated until well into the season. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis is weighing retirement as he deals with a lingering nervous system disorder that causes fatigue, rapid heart rates, and dizziness, according to MARCA.
Devin Booker Powers Phoenix With 43 Points
Devin Booker capitalized on the depleted Warriors lineup by scoring 43 points on 17-of-25 shooting from the field. Booker did the bulk of his damage in the third quarter, pouring in 17 points to help stretch the Suns’ lead to 102-92 heading into the final frame.
Golden State stayed within striking distance until Luke Kennard hit one of his three three-point field goals, pushing the Suns ahead by 15 points with six minutes remaining on the clock. De’Anthony Melton led the Warriors with 25 points, while rookie Yaxel Landeborg continued his strong start to the professional ranks by adding 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists following an 18-point, 13-rebound, 6-assist performance against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Steve Kerr Addresses the Franchise’s Worst Start in Nineteen Years
Despite dropping to 0-3 and sealing a historic low point for the team’s current era, Steve Kerr maintained an optimistic outlook on the trajectory of the group.
“It’s only process. Let’s keep putting the work in. We will learn from this, but we are not going to lose our spirit,” Kerr said.
