May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors players surround an injured Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (not pictured on floor) during the first half against the Houston Rockets in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
HOUSTON — Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry left Monday’s Game 4 of the Western Conference finals when he sustained a head contusion in the second quarter, but he returned to action in the third quarter.
Curry, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player this season, was hurt when he flipped over the back of Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza with 5:52 remaining in the first half.
Curry was attempting to challenge Ariza, who had a clear path to the basket in transition, when Ariza stopped his dribble as Curry jumped. Curry landed on his upper back, slamming his head to the court behind the baseline. He stayed down for several minutes as Warriors medical personnel attended to him before he slowly sat up and ultimately rose to his feet. Curry was then escorted to the visiting locker room.
Ariza was fouled on the play and sank both free throws to give the Rockets a 57-36 lead. Warriors guard Klay Thompson then led a 21-9 run by scoring 12 points on four 3-pointers. Houston led 69-59 at halftime after leading by as many as 25 points.
