Stephen Curry proves he’s still Stephen Curry in preseason debut

Stephen Curry did not skip a beat in his triumphant return to the hardwood on Tuesday night.

The Golden State Warriors can definitely lean on Stephen Curry as their star player once again.

2019-20 was a season from hell for Golden State. The Warriors’ superstar backcourt of point guard Curry and shooting guard Klay Thompson dealt with massive injuries. Thompson did not play at all, while Curry managed only five games. With Curry returning to the starting lineup for the first time this preseason on Tuesday night, he looked to be good as new vs. the Sacramento Kings.

Does Stephen Curry have what it takes to carry this team to the playoffs?

Curry had 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the floor, including 5-of-13 from beyond the arc. He made two of his three free-throw attempts, registering four assists, four rebounds, three steals and a block in this exhibition game vs. Sacramento. Though Golden State lost by a point in a game that did not count, it was nice to see Curry play up to his typical lofty standard once again.

Though Golden State’s days as a dynasty are officially over, there is reason to believe more nights like this out of Curry will result in a playoff berth for the Warriors. While they will not be favored to come out of the Western Conference by any stretch of the imagination, this is a well-coached team under Steve Kerr that now has its star player back, looking as good as ever. This is big boost.

If Curry can stay healthy this season, why would we not consider Golden State as a playoff team?