🏀 Game Summary:
- Without Stephen Curry, the Warriors looked offensively lost.
- Minnesota dominated on both ends, tie series 1–1.
- Golden State had 20 turnovers, several unforced and demoralizing, contributing to a 19-point loss.
- The Warriors are now over 300 games above .500 with Curry in his career; barely .500 without him — a trend that held true again Thursday night.
đź“Š Key Stats:
| Category | Warriors | Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 40% | 48% |
| Three-Point Shooting | 9-33 (27%) | 13-31 (42%) |
| Turnovers | 20 | 13 |
| Points off Turnovers | 12 | 26 |
| Fast Break Points | 6 | 17 |
| Offensive Efficiency (w/o Curry) | ~93 points/100 possessions | ~115 points/100 possessions |
| Rebounds | 39 | 45 |
🚨 Key Storylines & Analysis:
1. Curry’s Absence Exposes Offensive Fragility
Golden State’s offensive rating drops over 20 points per 100 possessions when Steph is off the floor in these playoffs. His absence led to:
- Poor spacing
- Lack of playmaking
- Low shot quality
Steve Kerr’s lineup tinkering (14 players used in the first half) showed how uncertain and desperate the coaching staff is without their floor general.
2. Draymond Green’s 5th Technical
- Called for a tech after hitting Nas Reid in the face while flopping on a foul.
- Two more and he faces suspension.
- His postgame frustration turned personal, calling out media narratives about him being the “angry Black man.”
Expert Reaction (Kendrick Perkins & Panel):
- “You knew what you were doing. You’ve done it before.”
- “Nobody’s targeting you—you’re allowing yourself to be targeted.”
Draymond’s passion fuels his greatness, but his lack of control in big moments is jeopardizing the team.
3. Minnesota’s Physical Edge
- Even while not playing their best, the Timberwolves imposed their will, especially defensively.
- Anthony Edwards set the tone.
- Nas Reid and Jaden McDaniels brought energy and length that overwhelmed the Warriors’ second unit.
đź‘€ Disappointments:
- Jimmy (assumed Jimmy Butler but unclear in this context):
- Just 13 FGA, played like a point forward rather than a killer scorer.
- Analysts said he needed to “play the wrong way” — ignore the system and go takeover mode.
đź©ş Steph Curry Injury Update:
- Grade 1 hamstring strain – out through Game 4.
- Re-evaluation on Wednesday, making Game 6 the earliest return window.
- Warriors must win at least one game to extend the series and give him a chance to return.
🧠Expert Takeaways:
- Draymond’s leadership is under scrutiny. His actions on the floor no longer match the stability a veteran should provide.
- Golden State’s supporting cast, including Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, hasn’t stepped up in Curry’s absence.
- Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis were the only bright spots in the rotation shakeup.
- Unless Golden State finds offensive rhythm immediately, this series won’t make it to Game 6.
đź“… Next Game:
Game 3: Saturday
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco
Status: Must-win for Golden State to keep the Steph’s return in play.
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