Healthy Stephen Curry believed the Warriors could've secured the championship Title.
The Warriors are left to ponder what could have been after a crushing playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Stephen Curry sidelined by a hamstring strain, the team struggled to find their footing, eventually bowing out in just five games.
In Game 1, Curry suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The Warriors managed to win the opening game, but the injury would prove to be a decisive blow. As the series wore on, the Wolves took charge, leaving the Warriors to wonder what might have been had Curry been healthy.
Head coach Steve Kerr summed up the team's sentiments succinctly: "Don't even have to think about it. I know we had a shot. I know we could have gone the distance..."
The loss marks a disappointment for the Warriors, who had acquired Jimmy Butler mid-season and had high hopes for a championship run. Despite Butler's valiant efforts, playing through various injuries, the Warriors couldn't keep pace with the Wolves.
As Butler looks to next season, he is optimistic about what a full training camp and season alongside Curry and Draymond Green could mean for the team. "A whole training camp and full season together can only make us better," Butler said.
Looking ahead, the Warriors face a number of questions regarding their roster for the upcoming season. Among the players set to become free agents are Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Gui Santos, and Quinten Post.
If Kuminga decides to leave, he could command a significant offer from other teams. However, as a restricted free agent, the Warriors have the right to match any offer he receives.
Kuminga thoroughly impressed in the closing games of the season, and fellow teams will surely take note. Though the Warriors have not confirmed any trade targets, speculation persists about potential deals to bolster their roster.
The Warriors are left to lick their wounds and refocus for the 2025-2026 season. With a strong core led by Curry, Green, and Butler, the team hopes to bounce back and reassert their status as title contenders.
Insights:
- The acquisition of Jimmy Butler mid-season gave the Warriors hope for a championship run, but a sad playoff exit leaves them pondering what might have been had Stephen Curry been healthy.
- The Warriors roster is set for potential changes in the offseason, with key players like Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Gui Santos, and Quinten Post set to become free agents.
- Kuminga's performances in the closing games of the season have garnered attention from other teams, and the Warriors will need to carefully consider their options regarding his future with the team.
- The Warriors may explore trade options to bolster their roster for the upcoming season, but no specific targets have been confirmed.
- Despite the playoff disappointment, the Warriors have a strong core led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, giving them hope for a strong comeback next season.
- The disappointing playoff exit of the Golden State Warriors, despite acquiring Jimmy Butler mid-season, has left them questioning their fate had Stephen Curry not injured his hamstring.
- Upcoming season changes for the Warriors include potential free agents like Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Gui Santos, and Quinten Post, with Kuminga attracting interest from other teams as a restricted free agent.
- With the core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, the Warriors hope to reclaim their status as NBA title contenders during the 2025-2026 season, possibly exploring trade options to further strengthen their roster.
