A routine open practice turned tense for the Golden State Warriors when their biggest star limped off the floor.
Stephen Curry tweaked his right ankle during the team’s open practice in San Francisco on Sunday night, Oct. 18, 2026, and limped to the locker room. The Warriors say the injury is not serious.
What happened to Stephen Curry at practice?
Curry was matched up against reserve guard De’Anthony Melton on the wing when he slipped and misstepped. He showed his frustration by slamming the basketball on the floor.
Play stopped as teammates voiced concern. Several staff members followed Curry down the tunnel, including the head coach. Teammates watched closely as he made his way off the court.
The scare came in front of fans at the open practice, giving them an uneasy moment just days before the season begins. Open practices are usually festive events.
How serious is Stephen Curry’s ankle injury?
Not serious, according to the team. The head coach told reporters afterward that Curry avoided a major issue and was fine.
A team source also said the ankle tweak was not serious. The Warriors did not immediately provide a formal update on his status. It was not clear whether he would be held out of practice in the coming days.
Stephen Curry has dealt with ankle problems before. Early in his career, repeated right ankle sprains led to two surgeries, though he has largely stayed clear of serious ankle trouble in the years since.
Why are the Warriors careful with Stephen Curry?
Durability has become a growing concern. Curry missed 43 games last season, including 27 because of persistent pain and swelling in his right knee. The knee soreness flared up at multiple points during the season, forcing him to sit out stretches of games.
This season, the Warriors deliberately slowed his buildup, limiting his practice time and keeping his preseason minutes light. The approach reflects how much the team needs Curry available for the long haul rather than for a handful of October practices.
Curry turns 39 in March. He remains the centerpiece of the franchise and one of the most dangerous shooters the game has seen.
He has won four championships and two MVP awards and holds the NBA record for most career shots made from beyond the arc. He has spent his entire career with the Warriors since they drafted him in 2009.
How do injuries affect the Warriors’ plans?
Golden State is already shorthanded. Center Kristaps Porzingis is out indefinitely with a private health issue, though he remains around the team. Porzingis missed all of training camp and the first five preseason games.
Jimmy Butler is also working his way back from a torn ACL. Butler has said he felt he let the team down when he got hurt and is determined to help Golden State chase a title.
With those absences, the head coach has said he is leaning toward a smaller starting lineup featuring Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green. That group would rely heavily on spacing and Curry’s shooting, making his health even more important.
Will Stephen Curry play in the season opener?
That has not been confirmed. The Warriors open the regular season Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles. The Lakers recently added Walker Kessler, giving them a strong presence inside.
Given how the team has handled him this fall, the Warriors are likely to be cautious. Still, early signs suggest Stephen Curry avoided anything that would keep him out long term.
For a franchise built around its star, keeping Stephen Curry healthy may matter more than any single game.
