Warriors’ Stephen Curry gaining traction in MVP discussion

Late in the Warriors’ Dec. 4 win over New Orleans, when Stephen Curry sprained his right ankle lunging for a steal, many pondered worst-case scenarios.

What if Curry wouldn’t be himself when he returned? Half a decade earlier, he was a promising 24-year-old playmaker who was so prone to ankle sprains that some wondered whether he’d stay on the court long enough to realize his potential.

Now, more than five weeks after coming back from that sprained ankle he sustained against the Pelicans, Curry has assuaged any concerns about his health. With the All-Star break nearing, he is significantly better than he was before the injury. A steady stream of workhorse performances has vaulted Curry into…