Bogut Returns, but Curry is a Worry as Warriors Beat Raptors

Just when it looked like things were finally going to come together for the Golden State Warriors, that tiny speck of doubt crept in once again. And in Canada, no less.

Center Andrew Bogut’s return to the starting lineup after a lengthy absence due to an ankle injury was tempered when Stephen Curry rolled his right ankle in Monday’s 114-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Curry is listed as “day-to-day”, but anytime the star floor general grimaces, Warriors fans do the same.

Jan 28, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) shoots against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

We’ll get to Bogut in a moment, but Curry’s latest incident once again has Golden State on the tightrope. Mark Jackson has seen his team struggle mightily without Curry leading the charge, and yet he can’t afford to be reckless and play him if the injury is anything remotely serious.

CSNBayArea.com reported that the team called the ankle sprain “minor”, which would seem to suggest that everything will be alright. Curry also reportedly asked to be put back in the game, which was met with something along the lines of “Sit down and shut up” from Jackson. However, the right ankle is the same troublesome appendage that kept Curry out of games against the Heat and Spurs on January 16 and 18, respectively. Golden State lost both contests.

We’ll see if Curry is ready to play in Tuesday’s tilt in Cleveland. Based on what both the Warriors and Curry have said regarding the malady, one would guess Curry will, at the least suit up. Any situation involving Curry wearing the blue and gold road jersey on Tuesday night is a win for Golden State and its fans.

As for Bogut, his long-awaited return was impressive. Despite not having played since the second week of the season, Bogut registered 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in 23 minutes, providing the low post presence the Warriors have lacked from the day he donned street clothes.

And yet, Bogut told reporters after the game that he would most likely sit out Tuesday’s game against the Cavaliers as a precaution, not wanting to push his ankle too far with too swift of a return to full action. The Warriors have proven they can win without him, but there’s no denying that they can take the next step if Bogut can play on a nightly basis. In his first game back with the team, Golden State out-rebounded the Raptors 49-37.

Curry and Bogut weren’t the only stories from Monday’s solid road win. Jarrett Jack continued to make his case for the Sixth Man of the Year award with a strong game off the bench in support of the injured Curry. Jack scored 14 points off the pine, including eight in the fourth quarter to help solve the victory away. Only tied 52-52 at halftime, Jack was a major reason the Warriors found themselves pulling away in the final moments.

Next up is a stop in Cleveland, where Bogut’s fellow countryman Kyrie Irving (both were born in Melbourne) and the Cavs await. The Warriors have already won 13 road games in 2012-13, showing a resolve that has been lacking in recent seasons. Having Curry back Tuesday night would go a long way towards seeing that the resolve remains.