Warriors' Stephen Curry grateful injury came early in the season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --Golden State Warriors All-Star Stephen Curry is in good spirits after an MRI on Tuesday revealed that the right ankle injury he suffered in a win Monday at theNew Orleans Pelicans is merely a sprain.

"Yeah, you know, I wanted to play here at home, but it's better it happened now rather than later in the season," Curry told ESPN. "It gives me time to get healthy and the team time to find continuity. This should be good for us in the long run."

The injury meant Curry couldn't face his hometownCharlotte Hornetson Wednesday night. Even without Curry, the Warriors cruised to a 101-87 victory.

The two-time MVP acknowledged that he shouldn't have chased the steal that resulted in him stepping on the foot of New Orleans guard E'Twaun Moore with under a minute left in the contest and the game already wrapped up.

Curry has a history of ankle problems, but he said he's looking on the bright side.

"It's the best possible scenario, time-wise," he told ESPN. "I didn't know how significant it was, but obviously, the results are good news. I'll just rehab, work and wait to see when the Warriors decide to bring me back. I'll be ready."

In the meantime, Curry is prepping point guard Quinn Cook, who was called up from the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State's G-League affiliate. Cook started against the Hornets on Wednesday and scored eight points to go with three rebounds and three assists.

"We talked a little bit before shootaround this morning and went over some plays," Cook told ESPN. "He's always said if I have any questions, he's an open book. He's helping me with spots on the floor from the point guard position, and I appreciate that."

In reference to Curry's injury, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, "In a weird way, it's a good thing for our team."

"Big-picture-wise, over the next couple of weeks, it's an opportunity for our team to get better," Kerr said at shootaround. "We have to and have no choice [but] to be more proficient and more precise with the way we play. We have to look at it as that opportunity."

Curry will be re-evaluated in two weeks. If he's able to come back at the two-week mark, it would give him three tune-up games before the Christmas Day showdown with the rival Cleveland Cavaliers.

When asked when he thinks he'll be able to return, Curry cleverly replied, while laughing, "In at least two weeks, I can tell you that for sure."