Defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves with Stephen Curry on the court was already no easy feat for the Golden State Warriors. But without Curry? That task became an impossibility.
Curry, who suffered a grade 1 left hamstring strain in the second quarter of Game 1 (a game the Warriors still managed to win), was sidelined for the next four crucial matchups. The Timberwolves seized the opportunity, winning each of those four games and ultimately sending Golden State packing with a decisive 121-110 Game 5 victory on Wednesday, eliminating the Warriors from the Western Conference semifinals.
Would the Warriors have been able to extend the series had Curry been available? It’s possible. But without him? No chance.
Golden State was left scrambling without its offensive and defensive powerhouse. While Curry’s absence underscored his unmatched value, it was an eye-opening revelation of just how critical he is to the Warriors’ title hopes. Yet, let’s not diminish the Timberwolves’ victory in the process. This is their second consecutive trip to the Western Conference Finals, and although they entered as the No. 6 seed, many believe they could have easily claimed the No. 3 spot. With standout talents like Anthony Edwards (an All-NBA player) and Julius Randle leading the charge, plus the expert guidance of Coach Chris Finch, Minnesota’s future is incredibly bright. The Timberwolves now set their sights on either Oklahoma City or Denver in the Conference Finals, with an eye on securing their first-ever NBA Finals appearance.
As Warriors coach Steve Kerr put it, the playoffs are all about health and players stepping up when it matters most. “That’s what decides every series,” Kerr remarked. “We’ve been on both ends of that (injuries), and it’s part of it. There’s no point in dwelling on it. I don’t want to take away from anything Minnesota has just accomplished.” And while Kerr’s words are grounded in the reality of playoff basketball, they can’t fully mask the Warriors’ frustration over missing their star player.
Looking ahead, the Warriors’ path is clear. After trading for 35-year-old Jimmy Butler at the February deadline and extending his contract through 2026-27, Golden State committed to a championship run alongside their established stars: 37-year-old Curry and 35-year-old Draymond Green, both locked in through the 2026-27 season. With their core set for a few more years, the Warriors are all-in for another title pursuit.
And despite the setbacks, there’s reason to believe they can still contend. When Butler joined, the Warriors were sitting at a mediocre 25-26. But with his addition, Golden State surged to a 23-8 finish to the regular season, becoming the league’s best defensive team during that stretch. The team also triumphed in the play-in tournament, securing the No. 7 seed and stunning second-seeded Houston in a grueling seven-game series in the first round.
Then came Curry’s injury, a major blow to their championship ambitions. As Kerr mentioned, injuries are an inevitable part of the game, and this one derailed their pursuit for the season. But the Warriors’ story isn’t over.
Looking toward next season, Golden State’s roster features several key players, including Green, Butler, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, all under contract for the 2025-26 season. However, they’ll have to make a decision regarding Jonathan Kuminga, who’s a restricted free agent. His progress was slowed by injury, and his role diminished with Butler’s arrival.
In the competitive and increasingly stacked Western Conference, General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. faces a challenge in improving the roster. Golden State has already traded away its 2025 first-round pick, and with limited salary cap flexibility, significant roster changes won’t come easy. They do have a couple of tools at their disposal, including the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14.1 million) and the bi-annual exception ($5.1 million). Trades are also a possibility.
But with the Warriors’ championship aspirations still firmly intact, expect them to be linked to big names should opportunities arise, including a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Bucks superstar ever seeks an exit from Milwaukee.
As one of the most successful franchises in the last decade, having secured four championships in just 11 seasons, the Warriors are far from being counted out in their quest for another title. They remain an intriguing contender as they look to reassert themselves on the championship stage.
