Golden State can't find its way without Stephen Curry. The Warriors star is still out due to injury, and his absence once again weighed too heavily on a Chase Center that witnessed another loss, the third in a row in this Western semifinal series.
The Minnesota Timberwolves won 117-110 in San Francisco and already have the playoffs 3-1 in their favor, with everything in their favor to close it at home. The team led by Steve Kerr showed some character, but lacked spark, direction and above all leadership. And without Curry, you can't buy that.
A Game That Slipped Away After Halftime
The first half was quite even. In fact, Golden State managed to go to the break only two points down (60-58), with a combative performance despite the absence of its main figure. However, Minnesota took advantage of halftime to adjust and came back with an intensity that the locals could not match. In just a few minutes of the third quarter, the Timberwolves put in a devastating 17-0 run, led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Suddenly, the score was 85-68 and the Warriors were on the ropes.
This stretch was decisive. Golden State failed to react in time, and although they made up the score in the final minutes, they never really came close to a comeback. The difference in energy between a team that feels it is on the rise and one that desperately misses its leader was evident. Minnesota remained orderly and confident, leaving no room for an upset.
The 0-17 run was not only a blow to the scoreboard, but also to the Warriors' spirits. Edwards nailed consecutive three-pointers and dominated every possession, while Randle confirmed his great moment with another solid performance on offense. In these types of games, the details make the difference, and Minnesota knew how to take advantage of their moments.
Curry Absent, And It Shows Too Much
Stephen Curry has been sidelined for three games due to a left hamstring strain he suffered in the first game of the series. Golden State managed to win that game in Minnesota, but since then everything fell apart. Without its star point guard, the team loses clarity, rhythm and, above all, confidence. Curry was on the bench, encouraging his teammates, but his frustration was evident. Without him, the Warriors' offense feels stagnant, predictable, and without the spark that usually makes the difference in key moments.
Curry's absence has been so significant that, for the first time since 2016, Golden State has three straight losses in the same playoff series. The team has relied for more than a decade on the impact of its No. 30, and now, without his presence on the court, the squad's flaws are exposed.
There is no real plan B. Neither Draymond Green's attempts, nor Kuminga's sparks, nor Hield's or Butler's delivery have been enough to fill that gap.
Curry's medical re-evaluation is scheduled for this week, but it is not yet certain that he will be able to play in an eventual Game 6. What is certain is that the Warriors need their leader more than ever, not only for what he produces, but for what he transmits. His return is urgent if they want to maintain any hope of staying alive in the series.
Edwards and Randle, The Owners of the Party
Anthony Edwards shined again with 30 points, five rebounds and three assists, plus a steal and a block. He did almost everything and didn't even need to play much of the last quarter, because his job was already done. For the last two games he has been leading the team with a maturity that not everyone expected at this stage of his career. He not only scores, he also pushes his teammates, makes good decisions and is defending better than ever.
Next to him, Julius Randle signed his best performance in playoffs with 31 points and a remarkable efficiency. He was the perfect complement to Edwards and is becoming a constant problem for the Warriors defense. His confidence is total and, if he stays at this level, Minnesota has every reason to believe he can go far.
The team also had a good contribution from Jaden McDaniels, who did not shine on the scoreboard, but was key in rebounds with 13 catches. The dirty work was well distributed and that allowed the stars to do their part with freedom.
Kash Drops Fever is here and the excitement knows no limits 🎰
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- Betcris (@Betcris) May 13, 2025
Golden State, On the Brink of Elimination
With this loss, Golden State needs to win three games in a row to stay in the race. It is a very complicated scenario, even more so if Curry is not fit to return. The next game will be in Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves will look to close the series in front of their fans and with all the confidence in the world.
For the Warriors, this series has made it clear that the immediate future is uncertain. The team still has good names, but the dependence on Curry is total. Without him, there is no playmaker to command and motivate the group. Steve Kerr will have to appeal to the pride of his veterans and hope for a miracle to extend this story.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is just one win away from getting into the West Finals and proving that this project is serious. With Edwards at his best and an inspired Randle, the Timberwolves are leaving behind any doubts. Now, they have the table served to give the definitive blow.
