Stephen Curry has missed most of this series after being sidelined with a left hamstring strain in Game 1 vs. the Timberwolves. Going into Game 5 down 3-1 in the series, Curry’s absence has been a back-breaker for the Warriors‘ morale. However, they have a sliver of hope to get Curry back on the team before elimination. Before Game 5 of the Warriors’ series against the Timberwolves, Steve Kerr spoke to the media.
When asked about an update on Curry’s injury, Kerr said his return in Game 6 is a “possibility.” Earlier in the week, Curry went through a strenuous workout with the team. The Warriors now look forward to trying to force a Game 6 in the series just to potentially get Curry back and maybe have a chance to turn things around. Curry’s season is over if the Warriors lose tonight.
While it is highly unlikely that the Timberwolves will lose this series, Curry’s return is instrumental in the Warriors having any chances of making that happen. With Curry in the first round of these Playoffs (against the Rockets), the Warriors averaged 104.0 points per game and 43.1 attempts from three. Now, without Curry for most of the Timberwolves series, the Warriors averaged 99.8 points per game and 31.0 attempts from three. This clearly shows how the Warriors have been forced to adopt a different style of offense without the greatest shooter in the world.
Anthony Edwards Also Anticipates Curry Will Be Back In Game 6
Earlier in the series, Edwards kept reminding the Warriors that Curry is not around to save the day for them. From calling out the Warriors in Game 3 for planning to bring ‘Wardell’ back in Game 6 to openly making jokes about Curry’s ‘Night-Night’ celebration before Game 4.
After the Warriors somehow stole Game 1 in Minnesota, Edwards led the Timberwolves’ rally back with three consecutive wins, including both games on the road in San Francisco. Anthony Edwards has averaged 28.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the three games since Curry’s injury.
How The Warriors Can Force A Game 6 Against The Timberwolves
The Warriors were forced to look at alternatives for generating their offense after losing Curry in Game 1. This is where they expected the veteran players like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green to step up for the team. However, since the Timberwolves’ scouting report will be focused on stopping these veterans, the Warriors will expect their young players to execute.
In a time when Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Warriors is in question, this game could help him prove that he can still be a major asset for the team. In the limited minutes he has played in these Playoffs, he has still managed to be in the top three among scoring averages for the Warriors. If Kerr plays him for 35+ minutes, then he can potentially be the difference maker in forcing a Game 6.
