The Golden State Warriors welcomed back Stephen Curry on Monday night, marking his return from an ankle injury with a 125-112 victory over the Washington Wizards. Curry, playing limited minutes, scored 16 of his 24 points in the second half as the Warriors extended their win streak to four games.
Despite a cautious approach to Curry’s court time, Golden State relied on his leadership to open the game strong. Curry hit an early 3-pointer and then returned in the closing seconds of the first half to drain another three, giving the Warriors a 54-45 lead heading into halftime.
Golden State’s depth continued to make a difference, with Buddy Hield scoring 20 points off the bench. The Warriors’ reserves outperformed Washington’s bench, outscoring them 60-33 and maintaining the trend of strong contributions from their second unit. Through this season, Golden State’s bench has consistently provided an average lead of 24 points per game over opponents.
Ex-Warrior Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 24 points in an effort that kept Washington competitive. The Wizards, however, struggled with their shooting from beyond the arc, connecting on only 23% of their 3-point attempts. Kyshawn George added 20 points, hitting six of his 17 shots from deep, but the team’s overall shooting inefficiency allowed Golden State to maintain control.
Draymond Green contributed with 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his efficiency by hitting five of seven shots from the field. Gary Payton II, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and other key contributors helped ensure that Golden State maintained control of the game, despite Curry’s limited minutes.
The Wizards played without key players, with Kyle Kuzma missing his third consecutive game due to a right groin strain, and Marvin Bagley III also sitting out due to illness. Washington, now at 2-4 for the season, displayed resilience but ultimately could not overcome the Warriors’ firepower and bench depth.
The Warriors now stand at 6-1, aiming to continue their early success as they prepare for their next game. Curry’s return provides Golden State with a boost of leadership and shooting prowess, a promising sign for a team already on a strong path this season.
