The Golden State Warriors will be without their star player for at least a week. An MRI confirmed that Stephen Curry suffered a quadriceps contusion and muscle strain during the 104-100 loss to the Houston Rockets, forcing the team to remove him from the game in the final seconds. According to reports from Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, the length of his absence will depend on how he responds to treatment. The franchise indicated that Curry will be re-evaluated in seven days. Although the blow worried fans, the initial internal feeling is optimistic. Sources close to the team assure that there are no indications of a more serious injury. And the coach himself, Steve Kerr, expressed relief upon learning the diagnosis. “When I found out it was a quadriceps contusion, I was relieved. Better than an ankle or a knee,” he declared after the game. Between athletic recovery and a historic change in his business career Curry left the court limping after a bumpy final stretch. First, he received an elbow from Amen Thompson that resulted in an offensive foul. Later, on a drive, he collided with an opponent again and was visibly in pain. The situation escalated when, with 35.2 seconds remaining, he consulted with Rick Celebrini—the team's chief medical officer—who determined that he should not return to the game. Both walked to the locker room as the Warriors unsuccessfully attempted a comeback. The point guard's absence comes at a critical time: Golden State has fallen to 10-10 after starting 4-1, and players like Draymond Green have pointed to a lack of defensive consistency in recent games. The team now faces the Pelicans and Thunder, two demanding opponents, without its main offensive threat. Off the court, Curry is going through another significant transition. Just days ago, the end of his 12-year relationship with Under Armour was confirmed, a partnership that yielded four titles, two MVPs, and 13 versions of his signature shoe line. Now, Curry Brand will operate as an independent brand, while the player officially becomes a "free agent" in the athletic footwear market. "I'm a free agent. I'm here, starting over."“I’ve been fortunate enough to have an incredible experience and to bet on something that has meant so much to me over the past 13 years,” he said. He also reflected on what he had achieved: “We should all be proud of what we’ve accomplished… But I’m excited about what’s next.” The split comes just as Under Armour is undergoing a deep financial restructuring. “For Under Armour, this is a time for discipline and a focus on the core brand during this critical stage of our recovery,” said CEO Kevin Plank in a recent statement. Curry, for his part, acknowledged the complexity of the business: “The sneaker industry is complicated… It’s a little disappointing to see how it’s ended.” His last model with the company—the Curry 13—will hit the market in February and will continue to be promoted until October.