Despite Stephen Curry’s looming return, the Golden State Warriors’ postseason hopes remain alarmingly fragile, as Thursday’s Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves showcased deep-seated issues that no single superstar can solve.
Jonathan Kuminga showed flashes of promise, hitting eight straight shots and sparking a third-quarter run that temporarily cut the Wolves’ 22-point lead to just seven. “He played like he understood the system,” but Kuminga faded down the stretch, missing three consecutive shots before Steve Kerr pulled the plug with over four minutes left, ending any hopes of a comeback and leaving the series tied 1-1.
Curry’s absence due to a strained hamstring wasn’t the only problem. The Dubs’ supporting cast, already under scrutiny, failed to rise. Moses Moody, who once filled a key 3-and-D role alongside Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green, has become a liability. He went scoreless in 16 minutes, clanking all five shots and extending his cold streak to 14 missed threes. His lack of defensive presence has Kerr contemplating a rotation shift in favor of Kevin Knox.
Then there’s Quentin Post, whose return to the starting lineup backfired. He logged just three minutes before being benched and ended the game without a single stat. Pat Spencer also floundered in extended minutes, failing to provide the playmaking spark the team desperately needs. His offensive miscues and inability to contain Minnesota’s backcourt only highlighted Golden State’s point guard shortage behind Curry and Brandin Podziemski.
Even within the “Big Three,” there are cracks. Jimmy Butler’s hesitance on drives and Draymond Green’s erratic discipline, nearly drawing a suspension-worthy technical, have become concerning. Only Buddy Hield has remained reliable, with tough shot-making and a surprising defensive edge that helped the Dubs survive Houston.
But beyond the core, trust is scarce. Podziemski has cooled significantly since his first-round breakout, and Gary Payton II has lost his early spark. Despite Kuminga’s highlight performance, his lack of decision-making and defensive inconsistency still limit his impact.
Kerr’s frantic rotations—14 players saw the floor by halftime—signal desperation more than strategy. As the series returns to San Francisco, the Warriors appear to be running out of reliable answers. Without significant improvement from their bench, even Curry’s return might not be enough to rescue their fading championship dream.
