Warriors Face Elimination: Can Golden State Survive Without Curry?

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The Golden State Warriors are on the brink of playoff elimination, trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in the Western Conference Semifinals. Their championship aspirations have been severely hampered by the absence of superstar Stephen Curry, who's sidelined with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain.

Curry's Injury Derails Warriors' Playoff Run

Curry sustained his hamstring injury during Game 1, with medical reports indicating he'll miss at least a week of action. This timeline means the two-time MVP could potentially return for Game 6—if the Warriors can extend the series that far.

The impact of Curry's absence has been immediate and profound. Golden State has topped 100 points just once in the series, with their offensive rating dropping significantly from regular season numbers.

Team Steps Up, But Offensive Struggles Continue

Several Warriors have attempted to fill the void left by their floor general:

• Jimmy Butler has elevated his play, averaging 21 points per game in the series

• Young forward Jonathan Kuminga continues his emergence, contributing 19.5 points and 3 rebounds nightly

• The Warriors' bench has increased their production compared to the regular season

Despite these efforts, the team lacks the spacing and offensive dynamism that Curry's presence naturally creates. Minnesota's defense has effectively contained Golden State's remaining offensive weapons.

Critical Game 5: Do-or-Die for Golden State

The Warriors now face a must-win Game 5 on the road. To extend the series, they'll need improved three-point shooting, better rebounding, and stronger transition defense against Minnesota's athletic lineup.

Should Golden State manage to win, Game 6 would align with Curry's potential return timeline, giving Warriors fans a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging series.

The Bottom Line

Without their MVP, the Warriors face steep odds against a hungry Timberwolves team. While Butler and Kuminga have admirably stepped up, history suggests that Curry's absence might prove too significant to overcome in their quest for another championship run.

Follow our NBA Playoff coverage for daily updates and analysis as the postseason continues.