NBA Notes: Warriors, Stephen Curry, Heat, Tyler Herro, Timberwolves

Warriors

The Warriors are not shutting down Stephen Curry, despite the star guard continuing to deal with patellofemoral pain syndrome in his right knee.

Coach Steve Kerr made that clear Friday during an appearance on 95.7 The Game, pushing back on any suggestion that Golden State might pivot toward caution over competition.

“We’re not going to do anything silly,” Kerr said. “We are protecting him. But as soon as he’s healthy, he’s going to play. That’s what this is about. We have lots to play for. We’re right in the mix in the playoffs.”

Curry is expected to miss at least another week, but Kerr stressed that the issue is strictly injury management, not something that risks long-term damage.

“As soon as he’s healthy and ready to go, he’ll be out there,” Kerr said.

Heat

Back on the floor and right back to business.

Tyler Herro returned Friday in Miami’s win at Atlanta, scoring a game-high 24 points in just 23 minutes off the bench. It was Herro’s first action in over a month after fracturing three ribs, and he did it while wearing a protective flak jacket.

Coach Erik Spoelstra said the reserve role is about easing Herro back, not redefining him.

“We’re just trying to get him out there,” Spoelstra said, via Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “I’m not putting anything in cement. We’re just going to try to maximize these next 25 games.”

Herro echoed that approach.

“I just want to stack some healthy games together,” he said. “That’s all that’s on my mind.”

Timberwolves

The NBA has upheld Rudy Gobert’s latest flagrant foul, resulting in a one-game suspension for Sunday.

Gobert was assessed a flagrant foul one Friday against Dallas for contact to Marvin Bagley’s neck area. With six prior flagrant points already on his ledger, the suspension was automatic.

It’s Gobert’s second suspension of the season, and any future flagrants will now carry a two-game penalty. His counter will reset for the playoffs — unless another flagrant comes in the final two games of the regular season.

On the court, Gobert finished Friday with 22 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks. Off it, he’ll be watching the next one.