Back To Zero: Stephen Curry Sprains Right Knee In Game 4 Of Warriors vs. Rockets

The Golden State Warriors have gone up to a commanding 3-1 series lead in its first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets in the 2016 NBA Playoffs. However, its 121-94 Game 4 win could prove to be a very costly one for the team in its pursuit to defend the title.

Star guard Stephen Curry, who is widely expected to repeat as the league's MVP, returned to start Game 4 after a two-game absence due to a sprained right ankle. However, nearing the buzzer for the end of the first half, Curry slipped on a wet spot and banged his right knee on the court floor.

Curry immediately grabbed his knee and limped off to the Warriors locker room. He was able to return to the court after halftime and tested his knee, but he stopped and shook his head towards the Warriors bench. Curry headed back to the locker room and was ruled out for the second half due to a sprained right knee.

The Warriors were able to close out the game with a rout, and despite Curry's absence, the team was able to set a new NBA Playoffs record with 21 three-point shots made in a game.

Curry is scheduled to take an MRI on April 26, which will determine how severe the injury is and how long his expected recovery will be. Recovering from such injuries could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

The Warriors looked like a juggernaut of a team in the regular season, setting the all-time record for most wins by ending up with a 73-9 slate, eclipsing the 72-10 mark set by the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. However, so far in the playoffs, Curry has already suffered through a pair of injuries, which would make it more difficult for the Warriors to end its dream season with a championship defense.

Curry's injuries have opened up a bit more space for other teams in the playoffs, including the San Antonio Spurs, who are expected to reach the Western Conference Finals, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are expected to win the Eastern Conference.

However, his injury also opens up an opportunity for the Warriors to prove that the team is not only about the reigning MVP. While it will not be easy, All-Stars Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will have to hold down the fort until Curry comes back.