LOS ANGELES — Meek Mill blared from the speakers in the gym at the Mo Ostin Basketball Center on the UCLA campus on Tuesday as players took turns firing after a long practice session.
Stephen Curry lay on a trainer’s table in the corner, receiving treatment after seeing some shots himself – a small but promising development in his recovery from a leg injury.
The Warriors are back and well-rested after a much-needed six days away, and there was a rejuvenated vibe after they limped the All-Star break at .500 and trailed four players.
“You just notice that in the warm-up. Guys are talking, there’s a lot of laughter, there’s music playing, there’s a lot of energy,” said Kevon Looney.
Coach Steve Kerr added, “I think everyone needed the break, and I think a lot of guys came in today refreshed and recharged and we had a really good workout, so the break was needed.”
The break came at a good time for Curry, who has been sidelined indefinitely after partially tearing two lower leg ligaments in a collision with a Mavericks player on Feb. 4.
Curry spent his free time in the bay and attended a few Stanford women’s basketball games. But he seems to be turning a corner in his recovery.
Curry returned to court for the first time since he partially tore two lower leg ligaments in a collision with a Mavericks player on February 4. Curry did some light, non-contact work on the side, Kerr said. The Warriors will wait to see how he reacts to the increased workload on Wednesday.
Curry is expected to be re-evaluated when the team returns to the Bay on Friday, though an official timeline for the return remains unclear.
With the Warriors at 29-29 and ninth in the Western Conference standings, Golden State will have to beat a few teams to get out of the dreaded play-in tournament.
Kerr said the focus is on getting players healthy. Tuesday’s practice was a chance to get the team back under one roof to work up a sweat.
“Today was more about blowing out after a week off,” said Kerr. “They just had to play and get a bunch of shots. So they really blew it out and their chests kind of burned, but tomorrow we’ll be more focused on what we need to capture the rest of the way.
Klay Thompson said the break in the NBA schedule is a necessity for every player. He spent his spare time swimming in the ocean and spending time with his family and beloved bulldog, Rocco. He called that time “incredible.”
“Mentally, physically, spiritually, just everything I’ve ever dreamed of,” said Thompson. “It was nice to have days off to relax.”
Remark: Andrew Wiggins was conspicuously absent during practice. After he missed the last game against the Clippers due to a personal reason, the Warriors said his timeline is up in the air because he is dealing with a personal matter.
