Warriors Enter Game 3 Without Curry: Pressure Mounts Against Timberwolves
The Golden State Warriors find themselves in uncharted territory heading into Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. For the first time this postseason, they’ll play without Stephen Curry, who’s been ruled out due to a nagging hamstring problem. The series sits at a tense 1-1 after Golden State’s lockdown defense and sharp shooting gave them a Game 1 win, only for the Minnesota Timberwolves to storm back with a commanding performance in Game 2—scoring 117 points and holding the Warriors to just 93.
Bookmakers aren’t shy about picking a side. Minnesota comes in as 5.5-point favorites, while oddsmakers pegged the over/under at just 200.5, signaling expectations for a tight, defense-heavy affair. But beyond the numbers, this matchup now pivots on how Golden State copes with missing Curry, the engine of their offense and a reliable late-game closer. Fans face a new question: can Golden State’s supporting cast make up for the firepower lost without their superstar?
Kuminga and Wiseman Thrust Into Spotlight With X-Factor Pressure
With Curry’s absence, the Warriors don’t just lose their top scorer—they also lose their ultimate playmaker and leader on the court. The challenge falls squarely on younger players like James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga. In Game 2, Kuminga flashed moments of athleticism and offensive spark, but consistency proved elusive. He’s shown he can drive and finish when aggressive, yet stepped out of rhythm as Minnesota ramped up the pressure.
Wiseman brings size, but he’ll have his hands full managing quick switches and helping on defense, especially with Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns lurking at every turn. Moody will be called on for shooting and hustle, but the Warriors know it’s Kuminga who needs to take the biggest leap if they’re to keep this series within reach. The coaching staff is betting on his energy and slashing ability to disrupt the Timberwolves’ set defense—a gamble that could define the outcome.
On the other side, Minnesota does not have similar worries about injuries. Anthony Edwards, coming off a 26-point outburst, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who looked comfortable exploiting Golden State’s rotations, will anchor the Timberwolves’ game plan. Edwards’ scoring runs have forced the Warriors into breakdowns on switches, and Towns’ ability to stretch the floor creates headaches for Wiseman and the rest of Golden State’s frontcourt.
Don’t forget about Jimmy Butler, often a wildcard for Minnesota, especially on both ends of the floor. If Butler locks into his aggressive playoff mode, the Timberwolves’ perimeter defense could tighten even further, making things miserable for the Warriors’ already-shorthanded offense. Basketball insiders have tagged Butler and Kuminga as the X-factors to watch, expecting them to inject bursts of energy—and possibly turn the momentum in either direction.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center, a venue where the Warriors have thrived when the crowd senses urgency. Analytics geeks are tracking the SportsLine Projection Model, which has nailed recent playoff predictions by highlighting subtle shifts in pace and lineup synergy. Key trends to watch include Minnesota’s success blitzing opposing point guards and Golden State’s ability to hit corner threes, especially now that their ball movement will be under new strain.
This game isn’t just about surviving without Curry—it’s a referendum on whether the new wave of Warriors talent is ready for the moment. Expect a scrappy game where every rotation, rebound, and broken play could mean the difference between staying alive and losing grip on a playoff run.
