Inside the Warriors’ Rocky Transition: What the Future Looks Like Without Stephen Curry

When a franchise leans too heavily on a transcendent talent, the first real test of its resilience comes the moment that star’s light dims—whether by injury or age. The Golden State Warriors just had that harsh reckoning, and oh boy, it was ugly. Their playoff run slammed into a wall when Stephen Curry, the linchpin of their identity and offense, suffered a hamstring injury early in Game 1. What unveiled afterward was a sobering sight: a team fumbling in the dark without their wizard. The Minnesota Timberwolves, younger and hungrier, seized the opportunity and dismantled the Warriors in a series that never truly swung back toward the veterans. Golden State’s dynamic offense stalled, creativity drained, and the reliance on Curry was laid bare under the unforgiving playoff spotlight. This is more than just a lost series—it’s a vivid snapshot of a dynasty grappling with its inevitable future.

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AdvertisementThe Curry-Kerr Warriors have been declared dead several times, only to spring back to life – first to win the title in 2022 after missing the playoffs twice in a row, then to work themselves into “intriguing potential contender status” after the Butler trade this season. (They were 25-26 the day they acquired Butler, then finished the season on a 23-8 run and took a seven-game first-round series from the Houston Rockets.) There is no sense in declaring that Curry will never win anything again, only to have to walk it back later.The Warriors got some nice performances from their depth players, who tried to patch the gaping hole left by Curry. Forward Jonathan Kuminga was particularly impressive, taking up a more expansive offensive role and scoring 24.3 points per game after Curry’s injury.

The Warriors got some nice performances from their depth players, who tried to patch the gaping hole left by Curry. Forward Jonathan Kuminga was particularly impressive, taking up a more expansive offensive role and scoring 24.3 points per game after Curry’s injury.

The Warriors got some nice performances from their depth players, who tried to patch the gaping hole left by Curry. Forward Jonathan Kuminga was particularly impressive, taking up a more expansive offensive role and scoring 24.3 points per game after Curry’s injury.

AdvertisementNo doubt Curry will do all he can to keep lugging the Warriors to within striking distance of contention. The realities of age and the salary cap may well just not apply to a player of his caliber for a while. But the Warriors, for now, are betting not just on Curry’s magic but on a friendlier treatment from the injury gods until the greatest player in their history decides to hang up his sneakers.Related: Mavs win draft lottery and chance to pick Cooper Flagg No 1 after Dončić saga