When you’re a future Hall of Famer, you’re the hope. People look to you for confidence. There’s pressure – but it just comes with the job. As for the Golden State Warriors, they’re blessed with not one, not two, but three future HOFs in their books- Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green. The trio shows up for one another, even when one of them goes missing, one way or another.
But if two are out at the same time – that’s when the worry may seep in. Unfortunately, that day might come soon, with lingering doubts over Steph and Dray’s heads.
Let’s start with Steph first. The Chef’s been cooking Michelin Star performances even at 37 years of age. But that right thumb has been his Achilles heel for all of 2025 so far. Ime Udoka’s Rockets even went as far as to target that thumb in order to find some reprieve. That did work, but only to an extent, with the Warriors leaving the series successful. They now face the Timberwolves in the semis, who’re known to have dirty tricks up their own sleeves. But that thumb could prove to be the cause of Curry’s absence in the series, as the situation is worse than expected. And there’s more than just a puny thumb.
“Well, I would say that Steph’s thumb will not get better. It’s not like he’s going to be okay in three weeks. Like that need that might even need surgery,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Brian Windhorst & the Hoop Collective. Curry suffered the injury back in January, but it was re-injured in the recent playoff matchup against Houston. Dillon Brooks was seen targeting that thumb time and time again. Whether it was to block Steph’s attempted 3, or just to be cheeky and get away with it, it seems to have made things worse.
Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
But that wasn’t the end of Steve Kerr’s troubles, even though Draymond Green’s situation was more avoidable. Green’s on-court antics seem to exceed the NBA’s foul rules. He’s hoping history doesn’t repeat itself after the current situation. It’s only the first series done and dusted, and Green’s already on 4 technical and 2 flagrant fouls. Players receive a one-game suspension after their seventh playoff technical and a one-game suspension after accumulating four flagrant points.
Windy was the first to point this out on the pod. “And keep in mind, as all Warriors fans will tell you, flagrant fouls can be retroactively applied or upgraded. As Ramona just said, here comes Gobert. So like keep that in mind, keep that in mind.”
So, that does put the Warriors in a sticky situation. They might have won the first series, but compared to the momentum the Timberwolves are carrying? Just a shell. For all intents and purposes, the Golden State is on the backfoot going into the semis. With the twin evils of Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert in his pocket, Chris Finch will capitalize on their strengths and aim to give the Dub Nation the same fate as the Lakers.
Could Draymond Green and Co. walk the same path as the Lakers?
If you really think about it, can you name the big men in the Warriors setup? Arguably, it’s Draymond Green…and that’s about it. They might have the chemistry, depth, and off-ball movement to unlock any defence. But their own physicality can be easily exploited too.
“I will say this. So The Warriors have done themselves no favors in exhausting themselves, both getting in the play-in, going to seven games here. And now the sixth-seeded Timberwolves wake up with home-court advantage. And we just saw the Timberwolves bully the Lakers with their size advantage. They have- the Warriors have a major size disadvantage. They have more depth than the Lakers. You won’t be seeing Steve Kerr playing five guys for whole half,” said Windy on the pod.
Their depth has been their saving grace this series. With Butler missing two games due to a pelvic contusion, Jonathan Kuminga filled in. Gary Payton II was out due to illness in Game 7, so Buddy Hield was called into the lineup. And boy, did he impress. 33 points in just 15 shots, with 80% shooting? He came in huge. So the lads will have to give it their all, and Steve Kerr will need more from the other 12 to give the likes of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler some much-needed backup.
Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
And once again, all eyes fall on Golden State. Their depleted lineup, clubbed with a major size disadvantage, could force the Timberwolves to use all the tricks up their sleeve. And not only that – those tactics could be taking a page out of Ime Udoka’s books, and exploiting Steph and Dray’s weaknesses. Who do you think will come out on top in this series?
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