In a strategic move to preserve Stephen Curry’s performance and well-being, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr decided to rest the star guard during the team’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 18, 2025. This decision came on the heels of a challenging loss to the Denver Nuggets, where Curry’s fatigue was evident.
Curry, 37, has been instrumental in the Warriors’ success this season, consistently leading the team in scoring and playmaking. However, the demands of the season appeared to take a toll on him. In the game against the Nuggets, Curry struggled, shooting only 6-for-21 from the field and committing seven turnovers. Following the game, Kerr addressed Curry’s performance, stating, “He’s tired. Steph’s been carrying us for a month. He’s been amazing. He’s tired. We gotta get him some rest. You can see it.”
Kerr further elaborated on the nature of Curry’s fatigue, distinguishing between physical and mental exhaustion. He noted, “The last three games I think he’s been tired, but it’s more of a mental and emotional fatigue than physical. He’s fine physically. When he’s emotionally tired, it affects his decision-making. He’s a little bit out of sorts.”
Initially, Curry was reluctant to take a rest, feeling the weight of the team’s challenges. However, recognizing the importance of maintaining his effectiveness, he agreed to sit out the game against the Bucks. This period of rest allowed Curry to recuperate, ensuring he could contribute at his highest level in the upcoming games.
The Warriors demonstrated their resilience in Curry’s absence, securing a 104-93 victory over the Bucks. Jimmy Butler stepped up, delivering an impressive performance with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Kerr praised Butler’s leadership, especially in the final quarter, stating, “Jimmy played the whole fourth and just took over the game. We ran every play through him down the stretch, and that’s a big-time weapon to have.”
This incident underscores the Warriors’ commitment to player health and strategic rest, especially for veteran players like Curry. By proactively managing Curry’s workload, the team aims to maintain peak performance throughout the season and into the playoffs.
For more insights, you can watch Coach Steve Kerr’s discussion on Curry’s sit-out:
