Stephen Curry told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears that he doesn’t expect to play in Game 5. The Golden State Warriors’ superstar confirmed that his left hamstring remains an issue. “Even if I wanted to be Superman, I couldn’t,” Curry said. With the Warriors down 3-1, this news hits hard.
‘Superman’ Stephen Curry Isn’t Coming To Save The Warriors In Game 5
May 12, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry stands on the court before the start of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The injury occurred in the second quarter of Game 1. Diagnosed as a Grade 1 strain, Curry has not played since. He will be reevaluated Wednesday, the same day as Game 5 in Minneapolis. But Curry’s comments make one thing clear: he likely won’t suit up.
The Warriors now face a steep uphill climb. They must win three straight games to avoid elimination. And the Stephen Curry Game 5 situation offers little hope for a miraculous return.
Green Rejects the Superman Narrative
Draymond Green echoed Curry’s thoughts. “We’re not going to Superman this thing,” he said. Green stressed that Curry should only return if fully healthy. He added that the team must win regardless of Curry’s status.
Green believes in playing the long game. “If he can, we know he will. But there’s no pressure,” Green said. The Warriors’ leadership seems united. They won’t force their injured star into action, even with elimination looming.
That stance, though admirable, complicates the Warriors’ chances. Stephen Curry’s absence in Game 5 looms large over their strategy and morale.
Game 4 Collapse Without Curry
Without Curry, Golden State collapsed in Game 4. A 17-0 Minnesota run in the third quarter broke a tied game wide open. The Timberwolves outscored the Warriors 39-17 in that frame. The final score: 117-110.
Jimmy Butler played through illness and struggled. He took just nine shots and finished with 14 points. Green admitted Butler’s off-night hurt the team. “We obviously need him shooting the ball,” Green said.
Coach Steve Kerr also pointed out Butler’s lack of aggression. “I didn’t see a lot of openings, either,” Kerr said. Without Curry’s gravity, defenses can easily collapse. Kerr added, “With Steph out, we’re not going to be able to do as much of that.”
History Repeats, But Not in Their Favor
This is not the first time the Warriors have lost three straight playoff games. The last time was during the 2016 NBA Finals. Back then, they blew a 3-1 lead to the Cavaliers. Green missed Game 5 due to suspension, helping spark Cleveland’s comeback.
This year’s series could mirror that collapse. Except this time, it’s Stephen Curry’s Game 5 absence that could seal their fate. The Timberwolves have outscored Golden State by 35 points in the minutes Curry has missed.
The math doesn’t lie. The Warriors are 10 points better with Curry on the floor. They are drastically worse without him.
No Offensive Firepower Without Steph
Golden State continues to struggle offensively without Curry. Butler hasn’t been consistent. Jonathan Kuminga is third on the team in scoring but barely played in the previous round. Buddy Hield provides floor spacing, but he averages only 12.9 points. Brandin Podziemski has underwhelmed, averaging less than 10.
The Warriors have lacked a steady scoring option in Curry’s absence. They need Butler to step up big in Game 5. The Stephen Curry void in Game 5 cannot be filled by role players alone.
Game 6 Return Still Possible
Curry continues to rehab. Some speculate he could return for a potential Game 6. That game would be at home, and the schedule gives him three extra days of rest. If the Warriors can win in Minneapolis, they may buy Curry time.
The Timberwolves know this. Their urgency to finish the series quickly is real. They want no part of a healed and hungry Curry.
But for now, the reality is simple. Stephen Curry’s Game 5 return is almost certainly off the table. And no one is coming to save Golden State.
Stephen Curry won’t go Superman in Game 5
The Warriors face elimination on Wednesday without their leader. His absence marks a critical moment in their playoff run. If they survive, Curry could return. But if they don’t, their season ends without a fight from their biggest star.
© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The post ‘Superman’ Isn’t Coming To Save The Warriors In Game 5 appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.