Stephen Curry Returns for Warriors Nearly Hits Buzzer Beater

Merlin sees Stephen Curry return after 27 games and pick up right where he left off. Curry scored 29 points and nearly buried a 30-foot buzzer beater that rimmed out in a 117-116 loss to the Rockets. He came off the bench, had a travel on his first touch, then settled in. Kevin Durant had 31. Golden State is 36-42 and likely to finish 10th, needing two play-in wins to reach the playoffs. Merlin notes the bigger shift is energy. Coach Steve Kerr said "His rhythm is also our rhythm" and Curry quickly found his. Facing Amen Thompson was "quite a test," yet Curry called the second run "great." If he plays three of the last four games and stays healthy, the Warriors become a dangerous play-in team, though matchups will matter.