The Golden State Warriors are facing a 2–1 series deficit after falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 102–97, in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Chase Center. The loss came without their most important player: Stephen Curry, who continues to nurse a hamstring injury.
Despite Curry’s absence, his presence still loomed large—especially in the eyes of teammate Buddy Hield. Speaking to reporters postgame, Hield didn’t hold back when asked whether he feels pressure trying to replicate Curry’s production.
“If you’re coming in thinking you’ve got to, like, fill his role, you’re crazy because he does so much for this team,” Hield said. “Trust me, everybody would like to do it, but he’s touched by an angel. He’s touched by God. He’s blessed. He’s Steph Curry, man. He’s always supportive, always there, talking to the guys. I’m getting the Steph rules right now. And I told him, I see what you go through. But it’s fun.”
For Warriors fans, the hope is clear: that “God” shows up soon—and helps get Curry back on the floor. With Minnesota rising behind a red-hot Anthony Edwards, Golden State needs their two-time MVP if they hope to turn the tide in this series.
Buddy Hield #7 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Houston Rockets after making a three-point basket during the fourth quarter in Game Seven
Kuminga steps up in Curry’s absence
While Curry watched from the sidelines, head coach Steve Kerr singled out one player who seized the opportunity to rise to the moment. “Jonathan Kuminga played one of the best games of his life. It was fantastic to see,” Kerr said after the loss. “You can see how necessary he is in this matchup.”
see also
Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic finishes first half with only 11 points vs Thunder — what’s his lowest-scoring first half ever?
Kuminga delivered a breakout performance, finishing with 33 points and seven assists. His assertiveness on both ends of the floor showed a maturity that the Warriors desperately needed in Curry’s absence.
Stephen Curry injury update: Progress, but still uncertain
There’s cautious optimism surrounding Curry’s return, though nothing is confirmed for Game 4. According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Curry went through a rigorous pregame workout ahead of Game 3—a significant step forward in his recovery.
“About 90 minutes before tip on Saturday night, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry went through a pretty strenuous workout on the team’s practice court in the dungeons of Chase Center,” Slater reported. “It was the clearest initial step in what Curry hopes to be an expedited return from the hamstring strain that has come to define this second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.”
While Curry didn’t go full speed, he completed a mid-intensity shooting NBA session and time on the stationary bike. He hasn’t yet tested his hamstring with full cuts or explosive movements, which will be the final hurdle before clearance. Curry is expected to be reevaluated on Wednesday.
