Curry scores 17 points with two 4-point plays in second game back from injury, Warriors beat Kings

Stephen Curry's return from a 27-game absence helps Golden State snap a four-game losing streak.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:38am by Ben Kaplan

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players' movements and the court's lines abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a dynamic, multi-perspective composition.Curry's return from injury sparks the Warriors to a crucial victory over the Kings, with the star guard's scoring and playmaking on full display in a cubist-inspired illustration.San Francisco Today

Stephen Curry scored 17 points with a pair of four-point plays in his second game back from a right knee injury, and the Golden State Warriors held off the Sacramento Kings 110-105 on Tuesday night. Curry, who missed 27 games before returning Sunday, tied the game at 104 on a 3-pointer with 2:38 remaining, then dished to Brandin Podziemski for a go-ahead 3 the next possession. Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud had 17 points and eight rebounds on his 23rd birthday, while Killian Hayes scored 18 points off the bench for Sacramento.

Why it matters

Curry's return from injury is a major boost for the Warriors as they look to secure a spot in the NBA's play-in tournament. The four-time NBA champion's scoring ability and playmaking skills are crucial to Golden State's success, and his performance in his second game back shows he is rounding into form after the extended absence.

The details

Curry came off the bench for the second straight game and shot 5 for 12, including a pair of four-point plays in the second quarter that put the Warriors ahead. He entered the game to cheers at the 6:24 mark of the opening quarter and immediately recorded an assist and a block. There's a chance Curry could return to the starting lineup on Thursday against the Lakers. The Warriors were without rookie Will Richard due to a back injury, using their 40th different starting lineup of the season.

  • Curry missed 27 games before returning on Sunday.
  • The Warriors hosted the Kings on Tuesday night.

The players

Stephen Curry

A four-time NBA champion and one of the league's best players, Curry returned from a 27-game absence due to a right knee injury to score 17 points with two four-point plays for the Warriors.

Maxime Raynaud

A 7-foot-1 rookie for the Kings who had 17 points and 8 rebounds on his 23rd birthday.

Killian Hayes

A Kings player who scored 18 points off the bench.

Brandin Podziemski

A Warriors player who hit a go-ahead 3-pointer after Curry tied the game late.

Will Richard

A Warriors rookie who was a late scratch due to a back injury.

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What’s next

The Warriors will host the Lakers on Thursday, which could see Curry return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in his first two games back.

The takeaway

Curry's return from injury has provided a much-needed boost for the Warriors as they look to secure a spot in the NBA's play-in tournament. His scoring ability and playmaking skills were on full display against the Kings, and his potential return to the starting lineup against the Lakers could be a key moment as Golden State aims to build momentum heading into the postseason.