The Golden State Warriors are confronting difficulties as Stephen Curry remains sidelined by a knee injury, with head coach Steve Kerr acknowledging his responsibility for the underperformance of Draymond Green during this period. The absence of Curry, a cornerstone of the team’s offensive and defensive schemes, has significantly affected the squad’s dynamics.
In a recent game steeped in frustration, the Warriors fell 11 points short against the Boston Celtics on February 19, as Draymond Green failed to score and contributed only two rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes on the court. This disappointing output highlights the impact Curry’s absence has on Green’s productivity.
Steve Kerr Reflects on Green’s Struggles Without Curry
Following the game, Kerr expressed to reporters the complexities faced by Green when Curry is unavailable.
“I’ve got to do a better job of helping Draymond,”
Kerr said, emphasizing his role in supporting the star forward.
Kerr further elaborated on the unique relationship between the two players, noting their long-standing on-court chemistry:
“The game is so different without [Curry]. Those two guys have built such a rapport for 14 years now. … And for sure, in my 12 [years], the two-man game with those two guys has been our bread and butter.”
He continued by highlighting how defenses adapt when Curry is absent, with Green feeling the greatest pressure from these changes.
“When Steph goes out, it really changes everything in terms of how defenses guard us, and it impacts Draymond probably more than anybody,”
Kerr added.
Curry’s Injury Details and Impact on Team Performance
Stephen Curry is currently sidelined with runner’s knee, described by the team as pain related to a bone bruise in his right knee. Recent imaging confirmed the injury causes discomfort but shows no structural damage.
“Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who has missed the last five games due to patella-femoral pain syndrome/bone bruising in his right knee, underwent an MRI Wednesday night,”
the team announced on their social channels.
“The MRI confirmed the injury and showed no structural damage. He will be re-evaluated in 10 days.”
The timeline indicates a longer recovery period than ten days, as the re-evaluation will determine the next steps rather than predict a definitive return. Since Curry’s absence, Golden State’s record has dropped to 2-4, leaving them with a 29-27 standing and holding the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, narrowly ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers by 1.5 games.
Owner Joe Lacob Denies Draymond Green Trade Speculations
The Warriors organization has also addressed trade rumors involving Green amid efforts to potentially acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP from the Milwaukee Bucks. Owner Joe Lacob firmly dismissed suggestions that Green was part of any trade consideration.
“He was never discussed in a trade,”
Lacob stated in an interview.
Lacob described Green as a foundational figure within the team, emphasizing the difficulty of trading a player of his caliber without clear benefits.
“He’s a core person in our franchise. You don’t trade a Draymond Green simply or easily,”
Lacob said.
“You do it if you have to, and you’re getting tremendous value, and you’re improving your team. Even Draymond has said he understands that. … But his name was never specifically discussed with another team, and that’s the truth.”
Despite these denials, league insiders had linked Golden State with possible moves to acquire Antetokounmpo prior to the trade deadline. Rules requiring salary-match trades presented challenges, as including either injured player Jimmy Butler or Green would have been necessary as part of any package sent to Milwaukee.
What This Means for the Warriors Going Forward
The current stretch without Curry places significant strain on the Warriors, especially on Draymond Green, whose game heavily relies on the synergy with the star point guard. Kerr’s acknowledgment signals an awareness within the coaching staff of the adjustments needed to better support Green and maintain competitiveness.
With Curry’s return not expected before early March, Golden State will have to navigate upcoming games carefully to secure a playoff position. The team’s ability to adapt its strategy and maintain cohesion amid these challenges will be critical in determining their postseason prospects and overall success in a tightly contested Western Conference.
Stephen Curry injury update: pic.twitter.com/VPQeM7pPlZ
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) February 20, 2026
