Curry's 'Weird' Season Start Tied to Minutes Management

Stephen Curry has described his start to the NBA season as "weird," but not due to physical limitations with his knee. Instead, the Golden State Warriors star has been held to fewer than 30 minutes per game as part of a strategy to manage his workload. This comes after he missed 27 games last season due to runner's knee.

"I’m feeling good," Curry said following the Warriors' 134-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday. "It’s been weird because I still haven’t gotten to the 30-minute mark, but that’s not because of an inability to do it. It’s game situations and obviously the plan, too. I’ve asked to do that, or if the game calls for that, I’ll be ready. But we haven’t gotten there yet."

Curry played 26 minutes against the Nuggets, logging 24 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting performance from the field. He also sat out the final 10 minutes of the game as the Warriors secured a blowout win. This pattern of limited minutes has been consistent throughout the early part of the season, including a 21-minute outing in the season opener against the Lakers and sitting out the second game of a back-to-back against Phoenix.

The Warriors are implementing this plan to protect Curry's knee, which was a significant concern last season. Despite the restrictions, Curry has still managed efficient scoring performances, including his recent perfect shooting night against Denver.

Curry had a slow start against the Nuggets, scoring only three points in the first half. However, he erupted for 17 points in the third quarter, propelling the Warriors to a lead they maintained. Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged altering the game plan at halftime to involve Curry more, which led to his scoring outburst.

"We just decided to free him up right away," Kerr said. "And he got hot right away."

With the Warriors securing a substantial lead in the fourth quarter, Curry was substituted out with over eight minutes remaining. His ability to play within these minute restrictions, coupled with the team's successful execution, means he essentially played himself out of more minutes in that particular game. The team's focus remains on ensuring Curry's availability for the full 79 remaining games of the regular season.