Is This the End of the Warriors’ Reign—or the Birth of a New NBA Revolution?

Watching the Golden State Warriors this postseason felt a bit like glimpsing ghosts of their past greatness — flashes of brilliance from a squad that once seemed unstoppable when all the pieces clicked. There was Stephen Curry, dancing free and unfazed by defenders like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, effortlessly draining a stepback three. Jimmy Butler, cool and unwavering, launching shots with the kind of decisiveness that leaves little room for second-guessing. Yet, oddly enough, the more vivid reminder of what the Warriors’ style truly embodied was found not within their own ranks but in the Minnesota Timberwolves. They showcased relentless three-point barrages, stifling defense, and a selfless ball movement that echoed the Warriors’ blueprint, turning the tide of this series with a commanding 121-110 win at Target Center. The Wolves’ march forward to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year seemed improbable not so long ago, but here they are — a testament to the shifting NBA landscape, where the shadow of a dynasty lingers even as new contenders carve their way forward. LEARN MOREAdvertisementLosing to the Los Angeles Lakers ended an awkward season that began with Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole in training camp, which followed them all year. Losing to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament last year ended the long kiss goodbye to Klay Thompson.“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

“I’m excited,” Kerr said. “We’ve got Jimmy and Dray and Steph all coming back. Our young players performed really well. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards share a moment after Game 5 on Thursday in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)Devastating 3-point shooting. Suffocating defense. Sharing the ball selflessly.But to just to keep pace with the top of the west, the Warriors are missing something significant — even beyond the Butler acquisition, which bolstered the back end of their season.