The Houston Rockets showed desperation in an elimination game – Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals – and came out on fire to start, scoring a mind-boggling 45 points in the first quarter.
The Golden State Warriors had plenty to be concerned about, but none more so than when Stephen Curry appeared to suffer what could potentially be a devastating injury in the second quarter.
Curry went up to block a layup attempt by Trevor Ariza in transition, but Ariza paused underneath the basket, letting Curry fly by. Unfortunately, Curry was unable to break his fall and landed hard and awkwardly on his wrist, shoulder, head and back. Here’s the clip, if you want to see what happened.
Curry stayed on the floor for an extended period of time, as everyone watching collectively held their breath. Luckily, the point guard was able to walk off the floor on his own and was eventually diagnosed with a head contusion.
Somehow, he managed to return to the contest and finished the night with 23 points on seven-of-18 shooting from the field with four assists. As the events unfolded, players around the league showed plenty of support for the league’s MVP:
Hoping you’re all right, @StephenCurry30. What matters more than anything is your health, bro! #BiggerThanBasketball @Warriors
— Adonal Foyle (@afoyle3131) May 26, 2015
Prayers up to the homie @StephenCurry30
— Kenneth Faried (@KennethFaried35) May 26, 2015
Don’t keep on showing it. Get well Steph
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) May 26, 2015
Come on my brother get up and be ok! Prayers in the air ASAP for @StephenCurry30
— Jermaine O’Neal (@jermaineoneal) May 26, 2015
The kid even falls well. Hope he’s good.
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) May 26, 2015
Damn hope he good
— Dorell Wright (@DWRIGHTWAY1) May 26, 2015
Play-off basketball. That’s what it’s all about. @StephenCurry30 will play hurt. Does everyone?
— Detlef Schrempf (@Dschrempf) May 26, 2015
Curry is back! #wcf
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) May 26, 2015
I’m glad to see the chef return back to the kitchen #StephCurry #NBA #playoffs
— Hassan Whiteside (@youngwhiteside) May 26, 2015
Jim Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.