The Golden State Warriors‘ playoff hopes were extinguished after a Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals. Playing the entire series without their superstar Stephen Curry, the Warriors struggled to stay competitive. However, Curry later revealed that had the series extended to Game 6, there was a strong possibility he would have returned to action.
The Warriors have been without Curry since Game 1 after he suffered a hamstring injury. Despite his absence, Golden State managed to win the series opener, their lone victory in the series. Reflecting on the situation, Curry shared that his recovery had progressed to a point where he was optimistic about his return for a potential Game 6.
“Everything was kind of aligned for Game 6. I had some testing to do, and who knows how that would’ve gone because I hadn’t gone live since Game 1,” Curry told The Athletic. “First time dealing with this injury, I was pretty optimistic, but there were a couple more checkpoints to get through. But it’s the great what-if”.
Without Curry, the Warriors leaned heavily on Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green to fill the void. However, inconsistent performances from both stars left the team vulnerable. Jonathan Kuminga emerged as the offensive leader for Golden State during the series, but his efforts weren’t enough to push the series to Game 6.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors watches from the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs. (Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
Curry on the Warriors’ future
Despite the season’s disappointing conclusion, Curry expressed confidence in the Warriors’ current roster and coaching staff, pointing to the team’s two-year window with himself, Butler, Green, and head coach Steve Kerr under contract.
“Yes, but I’m just also looking forward to next year,” Curry said when asked about the team’s immediate future. “This leap still reminds you that teams are still alive. We see the injuries that have happened, unfortunately, and nothing is guaranteed in terms of being competitive or being a contender”.
“So, yeah our contracts are all me, Draymond, Steve, Jimmy — all two years. [We] want this ride to last as long as possible but it’s just about what does this team need for next year? Answer those questions over the summer,” he continued.
Curry eyes a stronger next season
The Warriors started this NBA season with a blazing 12-3 record, but inconsistency down the stretch forced them into the Play-In Tournament just to secure a playoff spot. Curry emphasized the importance of building more cushion during the regular season to avoid similar struggles.
“Everybody preparing themselves individually to get through another 82-game season… hopefully with a little bit more of a comfort room down the stretch where you don’t have to have a two-month gauntlet just to make the playoffs,” Curry explained. “That’s all we’re really focused on right now, and I’m excited about it because there’s clarity, although there are a lot of decisions that need to be made over the summer”.