In a moment of visible frustration, Steph Curry sank lower into his chair in the visiting locker room at Target Center, tilting his head back to gaze at the ceiling. The renowned point guard's expression was emotionless, yet his steely eyes betrayed the disappointment of his team’s recent performance. Earlier that day, the Golden State Warriors had entered Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with renewed hope, inspired by the legendary comeback of the 2004 Boston Red Sox, who rallied from a 3-0 deficit against the New York Yankees. Curry, reflecting on that spirit, recalled how Kevin Millar famously said, “Don’t let us win tonight,” a phrase that resonated with the Warriors’ mindset as they anticipated Curry’s return from a hamstring injury for a potential Game 6.
However, the optimism was short-lived. The Warriors fell to the Timberwolves with a final score of 121-110, marking a disappointing end to their season—a gentleman's sweep that left their egos bruised. Curry, clad in a tan sweatsuit, faced the harsh reality that they couldn't secure a single win to keep their season alive and possibly capitalize on his return in the Western Conference semifinals. “The only solace you can really take was that we had a chance,” Curry shared with The Athletic. “It’s kind of the ultimate gut-punch because of that. Makes it worse. You just don’t want to go out like that.”
Five minutes after the final buzzer, Warriors controlling owner Joe Lacob made his way down the tunnel of a jubilant Minneapolis arena, acknowledging the Timberwolves' success but also expressing the disappointment felt within the organization. “Disappointing,” Lacob stated in a candid 10-minute conversation with The Athletic. He paused before asserting, “I am pretty positive that if we had Steph, we’d have won this series.” This sentiment encapsulated the frustration felt by not only the fans but also the players and management alike.
Curry, while hopeful about his chances for Game 6, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding hamstring injuries: “I have no idea because I haven’t played live yet.” The Warriors' loss has reignited discussions about their future, with team sources indicating that a major shake-up is not anticipated. Instead, Lacob, general manager Mike Dunleavy, and assistant general manager Kirk Lacob are focused on retooling the roster surrounding their veteran core, including Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
The Warriors had a respectable record of 23-7 with both Curry and Butler in the lineup, suggesting they could have made a deeper playoff run if fully healthy. “It’s in some ways kind of a win to get here, to get to the second round,” Lacob remarked. “Yeah, we lost four games to one. Not good. But to a team that is playing very well.” Despite the defeat, the organization remains optimistic about their potential, emphasizing the need to make necessary adjustments to build on this season.
One of the key players in question is Jonathan Kuminga, who is expected to receive a $10.2 million qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent in July. His inconsistent performance, especially after being pulled from the rotation in the Houston series, has raised questions about his fit within the team. However, after Curry’s injury, Kuminga stepped up significantly in the final games against Minnesota, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset.
“He’s the only guy that could really guard Anthony Edwards out there,” Lacob noted, praising Kuminga's performance amid the challenges. The Warriors’ management is keen to explore options for Kuminga, including potential sign-and-trade scenarios that could yield valuable players in return.
Another player to watch is Brandin Podziemski, who delivered his best game of the series with 28 points against Minnesota. Despite his struggles earlier in the playoffs, Podziemski's performance highlights his potential as a valuable contributor. “There were times in this series where he was hesitant to shoot,” Coach Steve Kerr remarked, expressing confidence in Podziemski's future development.
As the Warriors look to the offseason, discussions will center around how to best utilize their young talent while also considering the need for a playmaker akin to Jordan Poole. With Curry and Butler requiring rest throughout the regular season, building around their strengths will be crucial for the team's success moving forward.
As the Warriors prepare for the upcoming season, Lacob emphasizes the importance of patience and growth among the young players. “I get very upset when I read all this crap on the internet,” he stated, defending the team's drafting strategy and the potential of their young roster. With the core of the organization remaining intact, including Kerr and Dunleavy, the Warriors are poised to reevaluate their strategy in the pursuit of success next season.
Ultimately, the focus will remain on building a solid team around Curry as he enters his 17th NBA season. “I have a great coach and I have a great GM,” Lacob concluded, expressing confidence in the direction of the franchise. With their sights set on improvement, the Warriors aim to bounce back stronger than ever in the next NBA season.
