While Stephen Curry rested his injured ankle, the Warriors played so well that the two-time NBA MVP had only one thing on his mind when he returned against the Washington Wizards on Monday night: Don't mess it up.

As if that was ever a question.

Curry returned to the court triumphant and successful, helping the Warriors launch an important, evidential four-game road trip. The Chief knocked down 7 of 15 shot attempts, including 4 of 9 from behind the arc, and finished with a solid season-high 24 points in 24 minutes.

All of this happened during a minutes restriction, which is likely no longer in coach Steve Kerr's plans after Curry's upset.

“Probably depends on how he comes out tomorrow,” Kerr told reporters at Capital One Arena after the Warriors' 125-112 win over the Wizards. “There were no problems at all this evening. He got through everything well. Assuming he feels good tomorrow, don’t expect a big minutes restriction or anything like that for Boston.”

“Assuming he's feeling good tomorrow, I don't expect a big minutes restriction … for Boston.”

Steve Kerr provides an update on Steph Curry's health after the game pic.twitter.com/9vur38Ac17

– Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 5, 2024

That was in reference to Wednesday's game against the defending NBA champion Celtics, a game that will be Golden State's best litmus test of the 2024-25 NBA season so far.

The Warriors' prospects for this game are much better with Curry back in the mix.

Curry's weaker ankle limited him to spectator status for most of last week. After a slow and methodical rehab, the mercurial point guard came back looking a lot like the player Warriors fans had grown accustomed to.

But like all good chefs, Curry wanted to make sure the return wouldn't destroy what was already good.

“They've taken care of business pretty solidly the last three games, so I didn't want to be the weak link out there tonight and tried to come out and do my part,” Curry said on NBC Sports Bay Area's “Warriors Postgame Live “-Show. “We’re in the mood right now. We're always trying to get better.

“We know we still have a long way to go. But I think we've really developed an identity defensively in how we try to move the ball offensively and make good shots. Everyone pitches in and it’s great to see.”

Steph is feeling “good” after returning from an ankle injury tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/ImBd8Qr4lO

– Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 5, 2024

As for his ankle, Curry said he was still able to be aggressive against the Wizards while trying to navigate the game carefully.

“Our medical team is making sure I’m bulletproof before I come back,” Curry said. “I feel good. It's still early in the year and you're trying to build up the stamina. The ankle feels good. You just don't want to be in a situation where you get tired and put yourself in danger. This is a good stepping stone.”

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