It’s not supposed to end like this, especially after the excitement of game 5.
On a night when Chase Center should’ve roared like it’s 2016, the Golden State Warriors collapsed under the weight of what could’ve been. With Steph Curry in street clothes and Anthony Edwards smelling blood, the Dubs fell flat in a 117-110 loss to the surging Minnesota Timberwolves. The series shifts back to the Target Center, and unless something miraculous happens, so might the Warriors’ season after game 5.
Green’s Fire, Kuminga’s Spark, Butler’s Disappearance
Let’s give props where it’s due: Draymond Green came out like a man on a mission. Aggressive, vocal, and locked in—Dray tried to drag the squad with him. His early buckets and physicality set the tone, especially after the momentum from that fifth game.
Kuminga scored a team-high 23 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including an impressive 11-of-12 from the line. He attacked with poise, didn’t force the issue, and played with the controlled urgency this game screamed for. If this is a preview of his future, Dub Nation has something to hold onto following game 5.
But then… Jimmy Butler III. Playoff Jimmy? More like Playoff Ghost. After a strong Game 3, he faded like a tweet in the algorithm—quiet, hesitant, and overwhelmed. Nine shot attempts in a do-or-die Game 4? That’s not the Jimmy we traded for. He finished with just 14 points and a ghastly -30 plus/minus, overshadowing any expectations after game 5.
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Edwards Took the Crown. The Warriors Handed It to Him.
Make no mistake: Anthony Edwards is That Guy. Fourth quarter? Wolves up 3? Suddenly it’s 17-0 and Edwards is blowing kisses to the crowd. The Warriors didn’t just lose—they folded. While Jimmy missed crucial looks at the rim, Ant was draining daggers following their intensity during the fifth game.
Golden State’s body language screamed we miss Steph, but Kuminga played like he was ready to write a new chapter. Unfortunately, Butler and Green couldn’t turn the page. Whether it’s mileage, mentality, or malaise, they left the door wide open, and Minnesota kicked it off the hinges, echoing those moments from game 5.
Is This the End of an Era or the Start of a New One?
It hurts. Because this game should’ve been winnable. Kuminga’s emergence, Dray’s fire—those are the ingredients of a gritty W. But this team looked mentally cooked, like they were bracing for the “Curry was hurt” excuse all along.
Steve Kerr, trying new rotations like it’s preseason. Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield playing hot potato with the ball. And worst of all, a fan base that felt the season slipping with each missed Jimmy jumper. Yet the echoes from that fifth game linger.
Game 5 awaits. But unless Curry limps out of that tunnel with divine intervention, this might be goodbye, overshadowing previous expectations.
