The Golden State Warriors host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center in Game 4 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, aiming to even the series at 2-2 and avoid falling into a daunting 3-1 hole. However, they will have to do it without their franchise star, Stephen Curry.
Golden State is coming off a tough 102-97 loss at home, in which Jimmy Butler delivered a standout performance. Despite Butler’s 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, it wasn’t enough as the team lacked consistent support from its role players. Only three Warriors scored in double digits in the loss.
Jonathan Kuminga capitalized on his expanded role with a strong showing, finishing with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Warriors will continue to rely on him moving forward. Buddy Hield was the third Warrior to reach double figures, contributing 14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. However, the team needs more production from other key players, particularly Draymond Green, who has struggled to generate offense.
Golden State could also use a big night from rookie Brandin Podziemski, who has shown flashes of promise but needs to be more aggressive and efficient offensively.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the bench during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Three of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
Why isn’t Stephen Curry playing?
Curry is expected to miss Game 4 due to a lingering hamstring injury. According to Shams Charania, Curry will be re-evaluated on Wednesday. “Stephen Curry is back in San Francisco and is undergoing extensive treatment for his hamstring strain. There’s still significant progress needed with movement, contact, and sprinting. He’ll be re-evaluated Wednesday, but for now, the Warriors are focused on trying to win one more game to potentially extend the series to six or seven and allow Curry time to return,” Charania reported.
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Game 6 appears to be the earliest possible return date for Curry. Until then, Golden State must find a way to survive without him and keep their postseason hopes alive.
Another concern for the Warriors
Adding to the Warriors’ challenges, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is heating up. After scoring 23 points in Game 1 and 21 in Game 2, Edwards exploded for 36 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in Game 3, showcasing his full offensive arsenal.
Minnesota is also benefiting from Julius Randle’s strong form. Randle has been exploiting the Warriors’ weaknesses in the paint, creating matchup problems for Golden State’s frontcourt. With Curry sidelined and Minnesota gaining momentum, the Warriors face mounting pressure in a must-win Game 4 to keep their NBA postseason journey alive
