Curry to Miss Remainder of NBA Season After Ankle Injury
Locales: California, UNITED STATES

San Francisco, CA - February 7th, 2026 - The Golden State Warriors have confirmed that star point guard Stephen Curry will miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 NBA season following a left ankle injury sustained during a game against the Chicago Bulls. The announcement, made late yesterday, has sent shockwaves through the league, significantly impacting the Warriors' championship hopes and reshaping the landscape of the Western Conference playoff picture.
The injury occurred in the third quarter of the Bulls game when Curry landed awkwardly after a drive to the basket. Initial observations were concerning, but the full extent of the damage was revealed after an MRI and subsequent evaluation by team doctors and specialists. While originally diagnosed as a sprained ankle, further examination uncovered a more serious issue necessitating surgical intervention. The Warriors estimate Curry's recovery timeline to be approximately 2-3 months after the surgery, effectively concluding his participation for the current season.
A Devastating Blow to Golden State's Title Ambitions
This is far more than just the loss of a player; it's the loss of the heart and soul of the Warriors' offense. Curry isn't just the team's leading scorer and playmaker - he's a generational talent whose presence elevates the performance of everyone around him. His ability to create scoring opportunities, both for himself and his teammates, is unparalleled. Without him, the Warriors' offensive efficiency is expected to plummet. Analysts predict a significant drop in their scoring output and a struggle to maintain their current position as a top-four team in the Western Conference.
"Stephen's impact goes beyond the statistics," stated Warriors head coach Steve Kerr in a press conference this morning. "He's our leader, our floor general, and the engine that drives our offense. It's a tough pill to swallow, but we have to find a way to move forward and compete."
How Will the Warriors Adapt?
The immediate challenge for the Warriors is to adapt their lineup and game plan. While the team boasts considerable depth, finding a replacement for Curry's unique skillset is nearly impossible. Draymond Green will be tasked with increased playmaking responsibilities, and players like Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga will need to step up and shoulder a heavier offensive load. The Warriors may experiment with different rotations and potentially explore trade options to bolster their backcourt, though significant moves mid-season are often difficult to execute.
The focus will likely shift towards a more defensively-oriented approach, emphasizing ball movement and relying on the collective scoring contributions of multiple players. However, maintaining a consistent offensive flow without Curry's consistent threat will be a monumental challenge. The team will need to rediscover its defensive identity, a hallmark of their championship runs, to remain competitive. The pressure will be on the supporting cast to elevate their games and fill the void left by Curry's absence.
Ripple Effects Across the NBA
Curry's injury has significant implications beyond the Warriors. The Western Conference playoff race has become considerably more open. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder will now see a clearer path to securing a top-four seed. The Phoenix Suns, despite their own injury concerns, will also benefit from a weakened Warriors squad. The injury also throws the MVP race wide open, with players like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic now considered frontrunners.
Furthermore, the Warriors' struggles could impact the overall dynamics of the NBA Finals. A weakened Western Conference champion may face a more challenging time against the dominant Boston Celtics or a surging Milwaukee Bucks team in the Eastern Conference. The loss of a marquee player like Curry also diminishes the overall star power of the playoffs, potentially impacting television ratings and fan engagement.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors organization remains optimistic about Curry's long-term recovery. While the immediate future is uncertain, they are committed to supporting him through the rehabilitation process and building a team that can compete even in his absence. The next few months will be a true test of the Warriors' resilience, depth, and coaching staff's ability to navigate adversity. The NBA world will be watching closely to see how the Warriors respond to this significant setback and whether they can still contend for a championship without their superstar point guard.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/golden-state-warriors/news/stephen-curry-out-year-explaining-injury-news-warriors-star/e3a16eed4ba49d7f0b237f72 ]