In the second quarter of Golden State’s 111-94 loss to the San
Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, point guard Stephen Curry
sprained his right ankle for the fourth time in seven weeks.
SAN ANTONIO
Reggie Williams played his best game of the season against perhaps the best team in the league.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, the opportunity for Williams’ performance was created by another injury.
In the second quarter of Golden State’s 111-94 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, point guard Stephen Curry sprained his right ankle for the fourth time in seven weeks.
Curry was in a protective boot after the game. X-rays on his ankle revealed no fractures. But based on his inability to put any pressure on it, and his propensity for ankle injuries, the likelihood is that Curry will miss time.
Fortunately for the Warriors, Williams’ performance might be a sign of life from a bench that has struggled to produce.
“One of the weaknesses of the team has been the depth,” forward David Lee said. “We’re going to be there at the end of the season with a chance to do some things, I think. And our depth is going to have to be there for us. It’s a huge part of what we’re doing.”
Williams had 31 points off the bench. He was 11-for-16 shooting, including 8 of 10 from 3-point range.
It wasn’t enough to overcome a season-high 22 turnovers by Golden State (8-14) or to prevent the Warriors’ 25th consecutive loss in San Antonio (18-3). It did, however, give the Warriors a glimpse of what they hope becomes of their bench.
Key reserve Lou Amundson came back from a broken right index finger Tuesday. He brings energy and experience.
“We know Lou’s going to do what he does,” coach Keith Smart said. “Now if Reggie can maintain, that becomes a huge plus. May not be 31. That won’t happen that often. With his ability and skill set, you can get 15 to 20 from him every single night if he is in the mode he was in (Wednesday).”
Williams could wind up starting Friday at home against the Miami Heat.
At the 5:20 mark of the second quarter, Curry tried to cut and rolled his ankle. He tried to walk it off but was forced to call a timeout and was eventually helped off the court and to the locker room by teammates.
Curry initially sprained his ankle in an exhibition game Oct. 21. He rolled it again in the season opener against Houston on Oct. 27 but managed to stay in the game. He sprained it again Oct. 29 against the Los Angeles Clippers and didn’t return, missing the next two games.
After he went down Wednesday, the Warriors immediately went on a 10-0 run, capped by a Williams 3-pointer at the 2:00 mark. But San Antonio closed the first half on an 11-4 run, punctuated by a Manu Ginobili 3-pointer, to take a 57-47 lead.
With Curry out, the Spurs loaded up on guard Monta Ellis, who had to work for each of his 19 points, needing 24 shots. Williams took advantage of the open looks, responding with 10 points in the third quarter.
But the Warriors wound up losing ground and trailed by 12 entering the fourth quarter. A 10-4 Spurs run to open the fourth quarter—in which San Antonio knocked down two of their season-high tying 12 3-pointers — all but ended the game.
Still, it might have started a new day for the Warriors bench, which is still awaiting the debut of rookie big man Ekpe Udoh.
“I just got into a rhythm. I got into a groove,” said Williams, who was scoreless in two shots in Tuesday’s loss at Dallas. “So, from here on forward I’ve just got to stay with an aggressive mind state.”
— Story by Marcus Thompson II, Contra Costa Times
