Warriors win, but lose Curry to another injury

By Monte Poole

WIN COMES AT A COST

OAKLAND -- The Warriors came away a victory they’d gladly give back for a healthy Stephen Curry.

Their 106-94 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night at Oracle Arena was darkened by the sight of Curry limping off with a left MCL sprain in the third quarter. He did not return.

Curry, who missed the previous six games with an ankle injury, did his part before leaving, scoring a game-high 29 points in 25 minutes to anchor a comeback that wiped out a 15-point deficit.

Nick Young scored 24 points, Quinn Cook had 13 and Jordan Bell totaled 12.

The Warriors (54-18) overcame a dreadful first quarter in which they scored 16 points on 29.2-percent shooting.

Curry leaves win vs Hawks with left MCL sprain

After JaVale McGee landed awkwardly on his leg, Stephen Curry left the game and did not return with a sprained left MCL.

STANDOUT PERFORMER

Curry’s return was as refreshing as it was welcome.

Curry’s line: 29 points (10-of-18 shooting from the field, 3-of-8 from deep, 6-of-6 from the line), seven rebounds, one assist and one block. He played 25 minutes and finished plus-9.

TURNING POINT

After the Hawks went up 60-53 on a 3-pointer by Tyler Dorsey with 7:12 left in the third quarter, the Warriors responded with a 24-11 run, taking a 77-71 lead on a layup by Cook with 1:06 left in the quarter.

The Warriors led throughout the fourth quarter, going up as much as 13, before closing it out behind 13 points from Young in the quarter.

INJURY UPDATE

Warriors in-game: Curry sustained a left knee strain and left the game with 3:09 left in the third quarter. He did not return. G Pat McCaw sustained a low back contusion in the first quarter and left the game but returned in the second quarter.

Warriors pregame: F Omri Casspi (R ankle sprain), F Kevin Durant (R rib cartilage injury), F Draymond Green (pelvic contusion) and G Klay Thompson (R thumb fracture) were listed as out.

Hawks pregame: F John Collins (L ankle sprain) was listed as questionable and upgraded to available prior to tipoff. G Kent Bazemore (R knee bone bruise), F De’Andre Bembry (abdominal strain), G Antonious Cleveland (L ankle surgery rehab), G Malcolm Delaney (L ankle sprain) and G Jaylen Morris (L ankle sprain) were listed as out.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Warriors return to action Sunday afternoon to face the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena. Coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 4:30, with tipoff scheduled at 5:35.