Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is listed as out for the Dubs’ Game 4 Western semifinals contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain.
With another loss, the Warriors would face a 3-1 series deficit entering Game 5. Although Curry’s exact return date is unknown, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater provided a helpful update on the future Hall of the dynamic long-range shooter’s status.
"Curry didn't push it to full speed, according to a team source,” Slater wrote Sunday while discussing Curry’s pregame routine for Game 3.
"He's yet to burst or cut or test that left hamstring in a manner that'll deliver him and Rick Celebrini — the team's lead medical decision maker — the true information they'll need on whether the hamstring is healed enough to return deeper in this series.”
"But he went through a medium-speed shooting routine and rode the stationary bike. This was a notable advancement for Curry in his race against time.”
It isn’t far-fetched to suggest the Warriors’ offense is challenging to watch without Curry orchestrating it.
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Jimmy Butler, who finished Game 3 with 33 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, and Jonathan Kuminga, who finished with 30 points, six rebounds, and three assists, shouldered the bulk of the offensive responsibilities for the Warriors.
Unfortunately, with a lack of fluidity and a closing lineup that didn't include an electric lead guard known for crushing hearts in crunch time, Golden State failed to secure a pivotal home victory. The Timberwolves escaped with a 102-97 win to take a 2-1 series lead.
However, if the Warriors continue to stay connected defensively and receive more production from role players like Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski, Game 4 will be a winnable contest.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Dubs fare without Curry for the third consecutive game.
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