The importance of Stephen Curry to the Golden State Warriors was starkly evident during their struggles against the Minnesota Timberwolves without him. Curry was sidelined by a hamstring injury for nearly the entire five-game Western Conference semifinals series, playing only 13 minutes total. In his absence, the team`s offense sputtered, managing a poor 104 points per 100 possessions. Midseason addition Jimmy Butler couldn`t effectively step into the primary leadership role the team needed with Curry out, resulting in a second-round playoff exit at the hands of the Wolves.
After overcoming the Houston Rockets in a grueling seven-game first-round series, the Warriors had shown the resilience to make a deep playoff run. With Curry performing at a high level, averaging 24 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game with impressive shooting splits (47/39/89) against Houston, and Butler providing support, Golden State`s prospects appeared promising in the unpredictable Western Conference landscape.
However, Curry`s injury in Game 1 against Minnesota immediately ended any realistic hopes of competing for a title.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr isn`t left wondering `what if?`. He is convinced the Warriors had the capability to win the championship if Curry had remained healthy. Kerr shared this belief following the team`s 121-110 loss in Game 5 on Wednesday, which sealed their elimination.
Having won nine championships combined as a player and coach, Kerr possesses significant insight into what is required to reach the sport`s pinnacle. While we often overlook it, luck, particularly concerning player health, plays a crucial part in winning titles. This postseason alone highlights the impact of injuries, with key players like Curry, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, and Bucks guard Damian Lillard all suffering significant ailments that affected their teams. Luka Dončić also dealt with multiple issues during the Los Angeles Lakers` first-round loss. While injuries are an unfortunate and inevitable reality of playing late into the season and affect every team, they significantly shape outcomes.
Even with a healthy Curry, the path back to the Finals would have been challenging for the Warriors. The Timberwolves have been playing at a high level recently. Beyond them, Golden State would potentially face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder or a Denver Nuggets team featuring the reigning best player in the world, Nikola Jokić.
It would have been fascinating to see how far Curry could carry a team so dependent on his contributions. Instead, the Warriors will look ahead to next season. They hope that a healthy core of Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green – provided they remain with the team – can give them another opportunity for success and glory. Ultimately, their chances will likely hinge on their ability to stay healthy.
Jasper Hawthorne