The Golden State Warriors held on for a 113-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday, barely avoiding their most catastrophic defeat of a wild season. Despite the relief brought about by Stephen Curry’s clutch game-saving performance, the Warriors’ unfortunate streak persisted.
Chris Paul broke his left hand against Detroit, and the Warriors revealed immediately after the final buzzer that he will have surgery the following week. With the same injury, the future Hall of Famer left the game midway through the third quarter and was soon ruled out for the rest of it.
Paul’s injury was discussed by Steve Kerr on the post-game podium.
That is difficult. I’m really sorry about Chris,” he murmured. “I am aware that he has previously undergone a few hand surgery; I believe they were on the opposite hand. However, as soon as I noticed he was holding it, I became concerned. I just got off the floor and heard the news. I’m really sorry for Chris, and I’m sure that everyone will step up and be eager to play. Without him, we have to hold down the fort.
The injury to Chris Paul is just one more setback for the Warriors.
Gary Payton II, who had only recently returned from a calf ailment that kept him out of action for most of December, suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain against the Orlando Magic, which coincides with Chris Paul’s potential absence. In three weeks, he will have another evaluation.
On Thursday night, Golden State allowed the Denver Nuggets pull away after blowing a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. Nikola Jokic sealed the victory with a buzzer-beater from halfcourt. During Golden State’s most recent collapse, Jonathan Kuminga was sitting on the bench. This caused a flurry of headlines regarding Steve Kerr’s lineups and decision-making, which ended with a report claiming Kuminga had “lost faith” in the four-time champion coach.
Other than managing to defeat the weakest basketball team in the league, is there any bright spot for the Dubs? After an indefinite suspension, Draymond Green is scheduled to return soon. Even when Green does return to the court, it will be difficult to overcome the lack of chemistry and continuity that has plagued Golden State since 2023–24 with Paul and Payton both out for a lengthy amount of time.
