SAN FRANCISCO โ The Golden State Warriors are faced with the challenge of navigating playoff games without their star player, Stephen Curry. Curryโs absence in the last two games against the Minnesota Timberwolves is due to a strained left hamstring, leaving the Warriors in search of ways to secure victories in his absence.
โOur margin for error without Steph is obviously slimmer than it normally is, so weโve got to be really focused on our game plan, discipline,โ coach Steve Kerr highlighted. Despite a 102-97 loss to Minnesota and trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven playoff series, Jimmy Butler remained positive about the teamโs prospects, saying, โOf course, that we can compete without Steph. Weโre still as confident as ever.โ The team plans to review game footage and make necessary adjustments in hopes of leveling the series.
Over at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks prepare to take on the Boston Celtics at home, seeking to recover from a 115-93 defeat that brought the Celtics closer to narrowing the Eastern Conference playoff series to 2-1. Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns emphasized the need for urgency, noting, โI mean, itโs the NBA playoffs, we all got to walk in with that kind of urgency.โ Both the Knicks and Warriors are aiming for strong performances to regain series advantages.
The Warriors will soon face another test at Chase Center, with a crucial opportunity to even their series before heading back to Minneapolis for Game 5. Stephen Curry is due for a reassessment of his injury, with a potential Game 6 return in San Francisco if all goes well. Jonathan Kuminga, an impactful contributor with 30 points off the bench, believes performance is key, regardless of Curryโs presence.
Kerr has been stressing the importance of defense, a factor that let the Warriors down against Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle in the previous matchup. Edwards posted 36 points and Randle notched a triple-double, efforts that propelled the Timberwolves past Golden State. Minnesota remained composed despite deficits, with point guard Mike Conley noting the teamโs growing confidence and ability to maintain defensive and offensive rhythm.
Meanwhile, the Warriors will continue to rely on Butlerโs leadership, as he recorded a standout performance with 33 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds in Curryโs stead. Buddy Hield echoed the sentiment that the team must rally together, โWeโre down 2-1, weโve got to weather the storm.โ They need to maintain ball control and support Butler in steering the team amidst challenging circumstances.
The Knicks and Celtics will clash again in Game 4, with the Celtics having shown strengths in various matches despite the current 2-1 series scoreline. The Celtics dominated Game 3 and displayed their 3-point prowess, a critical turnaround from earlier games where they struggled. Their center rotation was also a highlight, with notable performances from Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis. Conversely, the Knicks are grappling with missed opportunities, including Mitchell Robinsonโs free-throw struggles being exploited by the Celtics.
For the Warriors, adjustments might be needed in their plan against the Timberwolves, especially after missing Draymond Greenโs defensive impact late in the game he fouled out of. Coach Kerr may consider lineup tweaks, especially after Jonathan Kumingaโs impressive showing. As the series sits at 2-1, the Warriors are determined to recapture their rhythm and take advantage of the chance to level the series.