The Golden State Warriors suffered a crushing 2-1 series deficit in the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday night, but all eyes were on a heartbroken Stephen Curry.
After their 106-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center, the pain wasn’t just physical for Curry, who missed the contest due to a hamstring injury. It was emotional.
Reports surfaced after Game 1 suggesting Curry had cried after injuring his hamstring, leaving fans puzzled.
As the Warriors fell apart in the second half – unable to generate offense and with their trademark three-point attack evaporating – the cameras cut to Curry in the front row. He wasn’t clapping, coaching, or even reacting. Instead, he sat motionless, his head bowed low, staring at the hardwood. For Dub Nation, it was a gut punch, as Curry was watching a golden opportunity slip through Golden State‘s fingers.
Kerr’s tactical misfire sank the Warriors’ offense before it started
In what many fans and analysts are calling a baffling coaching decision, Steve Kerr rolled out a game plan that defied everything the Warriors have built their dynasty on: three-point shooting.
Golden State attempted only one three-pointer in the entire first quarter. By halftime, they still hadn’t made a single shot from behind the arc – something that hasn’t happened in the NBA since 2006. In a league where perimeter scoring reigns supreme – and with the greatest shooter in history sidelined – the Dubs abandoned their identity.
The result was a sluggish offense that could barely keep pace with the Wolves, even as Minnesota wasn’t playing their best basketball. What made the loss even more painful was its margin – just five points. Five points, one or two threes – exactly the shots Curry would have created or made himself.
Without Curry, the Warriors’ offensive rhythm collapsed. Jonathan Kuminga had a 30-point performance, and Jimmy Butler put up 33 in an admirable effort, but no one could fill the vacuum left by Curry‘s absence. Meanwhile, Draymond Green was plagued by foul trouble, eventually fouling out early in the fourth.
The Warriors now face the prospect of Game 4 with their backs against the wall. Curry‘s status remains uncertain, and even if he returns, the team has work to do just to catch up.
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