News Warriors Team Notes

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Gets Honest About Jonathan Kuminga Playing In Game 7

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Golden State Warriors fans haven’t seen much of Jonathan Kuminga lately, and many of them are upset about that.

But will it change soon, particularly in the must-win Game 7 against the Houston Rockets on Sunday?

Speaking with Brett Siegel and the press, head coach Steve Kerr talked about Kuminga playing in Game 7, and he definitely left the door open for it.

“It’s 100% on the table… We feel like we have a great chance to go down there and win Game 7,” Kerr said, per Legion Hoops.

Steve Kerr on playing Jonathan Kuminga in Game 7:

“It's 100% on the table… We feel like we have a great chance to go down there and win Game 7.”

(via @BrettSiegelNBA) pic.twitter.com/XEM7Jzsw1y

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 3, 2025

Kuminga didn’t play at all during Game 6, which isn’t that surprising because he has only appeared in two games during the playoffs.

During those matches, Kuminga has averaged 9.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.

It has been a complicated and unpredictable season for Kuminga, who is averaging 24.3 minutes during his 47 games.

He only started in 10 games, which is a major decrease from last year, when he started in 46.

There has been a lot of speculation about Kuminga and his future with the Warriors.

Some people feel that Kerr has soured on the young star, and the fact that he doesn’t get many minutes or participate in as many games proves that, according to them.

Even if he gets some minutes in Game 7, many people will still assume that he will be leaving the Warriors in the summer.

Where will he go, and what could the team get in exchange for him?

Those are questions that will be asked during the offseason.

Before that happens, he might get a chance to shine during Game 7.

And if the team doesn’t win and move to the second round, this could be the last time that fans see him in a Warriors jersey.

The post Steve Kerr Gets Honest About Jonathan Kuminga Playing In Game 7 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-gets-honest-about-jonathan-kuminga-playing-in-game-7/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Stephen Curry Gets Honest About Rockets’ Defense On Sunday

(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors will live another day.

They will pack their bags and hit the road to square off with Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

The Timberwolves won’t be an easy opponent, but Stephen Curry must be thrilled that he won’t have to play the Houston Rockets anymore.

Following Golden State’s Game 7 win at Houston, the four-time NBA champion tipped his hat to the Rockets.

“That was one of the toughest defenses I think I’ve ever faced,” Curry said, via ESPN. “The physicality that was allowed early in the series and then their commitment to just trying to take away all the patterns that we usually thrive off of and guard me in half court at times. It was wild.”

Playing with an injured thumb, Curry excelled in the first three games of the series before Houston’s defensive adjustments made him drop his production significantly.

Amen Thompson did an outstanding job of hounding him the length of the court, making the most of his height advantage and not giving him any space to move.

Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet also banged him over and over.

It takes an otherworldly effort to stay in front of Curry, who never stops moving and cutting through screens, but the Rockets did a solid job.

But there’s no such thing as shutting him down.

They held him to just three points in the first half of Game 7, but he was still a major factor with his playmaking.

He burst out down the stretch and finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

The Timberwolves don’t have as many bullies as the Rockets do, but they will try to play the same type of defense against him.

The post Stephen Curry Gets Honest About Rockets’ Defense On Sunday appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stephen-curry-gets-honest-about-rockets-defense-on-sunday/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Warriors HC Praises Buddy Hield For ‘Two-Way Performance’

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

For years, the Golden State Warriors had Game 6 Klay (Thompson).

Now, they have Game 7 Buddy (Hield).

The shooting guard was on an absolute tear from start to finish against the Houston Rockets.

He exploded for 22 points in the first half, including a logo 3-pointer to close out the first quarter.

However, as much as those offensive outbursts helped the victory, head coach Steve Kerr also said Hield’s defense was fundamental in the victory.

“I thought his defense was tremendous tonight, too,” Kerr said, via ESPN. “One of the keys to the game was Fred VanVleet only got two free throws. Fred has just destroyed us the last three games. He’s had an amazing series. He completely flipped things with his play. Buddy did a great job on him. So, this was not just a lights-out shooting performance for Buddy, it was a two-way performance.”

Notably, Hield isn’t known for his defensive prowess, but he was all over the court.

He altered shots, stayed in front of guys, tipped passes and knocked down big buckets.

With VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson harassing and suffocating Stephen Curry the length of the court, Hield was the only Warriors’ long-range scorer who consistently kept making them pay.

He finished the game with 33 points to keep the Warriors’ season alive.

Now, the biggest challenge will be to sustain that level of production going forward.

Hield has already shown what he’s capable of, as he’s been one of the most efficient 3-point shooters since he entered the NBA, but he can go ice-cold as rapidly as he gets red-hot.

If he can keep this momentum going and knock down shots in the next round, the Warriors might have an edge and a legitimate X-factor to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves and reach the Western Conference Finals.

The post Warriors HC Praises Buddy Hield For ‘Two-Way Performance’ appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/warriors-hc-praises-buddy-hield-for-two-way-performance/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Praises Key Warriors Player For Defense Against Timberwolves

(Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors lost Steph Curry during Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, but they still walked away with a major victory.

That was partly because of Draymond Green, who again showed the world why he is such a defensive monster for the Warriors.

Following the game, Steve Kerr spoke at length about Green and his talents.

“Draymond [Green] was doing what Draymond’s been doing for whatever how many years he’s been in this league,” Kerr said, via NBA on X. “He’s the best defensive player I’ve seen in my life. He was everywhere. He was guarding everyone. He makes our defense go. He makes the game much easier for all of the other guys.”

"He's the best defensive player I've ever seen in my life."

Steve Kerr gives major props postgame to @Money23Green after his Game 1 defensive performance

pic.twitter.com/97da9QHX6I

— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025

Losing Curry is never a good thing, and the impact it had on the Warriors was clear.

But the team wasn’t taken out of the running without Curry, and they pulled off a strong win on the road.

Green pushed his squad forward with his blend of resilient offense and suffocating defense.

As Kerr said, this is what Green has done since the start of his career.

Many people critique Green and his attitude and on-court antics, but no one can deny that he is one of the most driven players in the entire league.

He is someone who just does not give up and pours 100 percent of himself into every game.

This rubs off on his teammates and helps them stay firmly planted in the game, even when they lose their biggest star.

The news about Curry is not good, and Warriors fans are nervous about what’s next.

But Green’s performance on Tuesday gave them something to believe in.

The post Steve Kerr Praises Key Warriors Player For Defense Against Timberwolves appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-praises-key-warriors-player-for-defense-against-timberwolves/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Jimmy Butler Reveals How Stephen Curry’s Absence Impacted Game 1

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors snatched a crucial Game 1 win in their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

But what should have been a moment of celebration quickly turned into concern after Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring injury.

His early exit thrust Jimmy Butler into a spotlight he wasn’t expecting to occupy so soon.

Butler delivered a solid 20-point performance in the victory, but his postgame comments revealed just how much the Warriors rely on their superstar teammate.

“We want Steph back. I’ll tell you that. It’s hard playing without that man,” Butler said, via “NBA on TNT.” “… Steph is our best player, and the game is much easier when we got him.”

"That Steph is our best player, and the game is much easier when we've got him."

Jimmy tells @laurenjbara what he learned from the @warriors' Game 1 win

pic.twitter.com/RSTnkNsuc7

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 7, 2025

The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Warriors.

Curry showed visible discomfort early in the second quarter when he began limping and signaled to the bench before heading straight to the locker room.

He did not return to the game and will not play in Game 2.

The Warriors now face the real possibility of navigating the rest of the 2025 NBA Playoffs without their franchise cornerstone.

Since arriving in a trade with the Miami Heat, Butler formed a strong connection with Curry both on and off the court.

Butler has embraced his supporting role, often describing himself as Robin to Curry’s Batman.

His focus has primarily been on complementing his teammate’s brilliance and filling gaps where needed.

Now the script has flipped. With Curry potentially sidelined, Butler must step into a leading role that demands more than complementary play.

The post Jimmy Butler Reveals How Stephen Curry’s Absence Impacted Game 1 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jimmy-butler-reveals-how-stephen-currys-absence-impacted-game-1/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Concerning Details Emerge About Steph Curry’s Injury

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

A dark cloud looms over the Golden State Warriors‘ championship dreams as Stephen Curry remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The superstar guard finally addressed his condition after suffering a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during the Golden State Warriors’ 99-88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Many fans had hoped Curry might return if the series extended beyond four games. Those hopes took a serious hit when the eight time All Star shared a sobering update about his recovery timeline.

ESPN reporter Ohm Youngmisuk delivered the concerning news:

“Asked if he will get to a point where he will have to fight the urge to potentially try to come back too soon, Steph Curry said he is a ways away from that point. He said he isn’t able to take stationary shots right now. Just doing ‘a lot’ of treatment.”

Asked if he will get to a point where he will have to fight the urge to potentially try to come back too soon, Steph Curry said he is a ways away from that point. He said he isn't able to take stationary shots right now. Just doing "a lot" of treatment.

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 8, 2025

The Golden State Warriors announced Curry will be reevaluated in one week, ruling him out for Games 2 through 4 at minimum.

Despite this major setback, the team showed remarkable resilience by securing an impressive road victory in Game 1 without their floor general.

With Curry watching from the sidelines, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green will shoulder greater responsibility on both offense and defense.

Buddy Hield’s shooting touch becomes especially valuable for the Warriors’ offense during this stretch.

As Butler draws defensive attention, Hield’s perimeter scoring ability could provide the spacing Golden State desperately needs to remain competitive.

Though the Warriors proved they can win without their superstar, their title aspirations ultimately depend on Curry’s return.

His unmatched ability to transform games through elite shooting and playmaking makes him irreplaceable in playoff basketball.

The post Concerning Details Emerge About Steph Curry’s Injury appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/concerning-details-emerge-about-steph-currys-injury/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Monta Ellis Has Honest Admission About Being Traded From Warriors

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The NBA is a tough business, and sometimes people are hurt.

Monta Ellis knows that all too well and spoke about how he was burned by the Golden State Warriors at the height of his career.

Talking to the “Out The Mud” podcast, Ellis got real about how it felt to be traded by the Warriors.

“I love Golden State, you know what I mean? They gave me my opportunity. The way it went down is what really hurt me or affected me. And it’s similar to what happened to Luka Doncic,” Ellis said, via Legion Hoops.

Monta Ellis on being traded from the Warriors:

“I love Golden State, you know what I mean? They gave me my opportunity. The way it went down is what really hurt me or affected me. And it’s similar to what happened to Luka Doncic.”

(via @OutTheMudTL) pic.twitter.com/P1ZAMKgXi0

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 9, 2025

Ellis spent his first few seasons playing for the Warriors after being drafted by them in 2005.

During his seven seasons with Golden State, he averaged 19.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.

Ellis was a major part of the franchise, a winner of Most Improved Player, and one of the most exciting guards in the league.

But then the Warriors traded him in March of 2012, sending him to the Milwaukee Bucks for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson.

At the time, some Warriors fans were upset, not understanding why they had to say goodbye to Ellis.

Ultimately, it worked out well for Golden State because they were assembling the team that would eventually win them championships.

Ellis knows that it wasn’t personal and the Warriors were simply doing what they felt was best, but he was still hurt at the time.

It’s the same thing that happened to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, according to Ellis, and it’ll likely sting for a long time.

The post Monta Ellis Has Honest Admission About Being Traded From Warriors appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/monta-ellis-has-honest-admission-about-being-traded-from-warriors/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Jimmy Butler Shares ‘Biggest Lesson’ After Loss On Thursday

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors faced a tough loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.

But that doesn’t mean they will stop trying.

Following the game, Jimmy Butler talked about the team’s lineup, the changes occurring in the roster, and the importance of winning.

“Experimental or not, I’d still like to win,” Butler said, via NBC Sports. “I think the biggest lesson is don’t start off in a hole like we did tonight. That game maybe could have ended up a little bit differently, but it’s hard to come out of that hole.”

The hole that Butler referred to was the 13-0 run the Timberwolves went on at the start of the game.

It felt like the Warriors were never able to really bounce back from that, and they were struggling all night.

There were strong showings, however, and a lot for Warriors fans to be happy about.

Jonathan Kuminga, for example, was a bright spot for Golden State, as was Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Meanwhile, Butler and Draymond Green had issues, and the team was clearly hurting without the help of Steph Curry.

Head coach Steve Kerr has a lot of tough decisions to make in the days ahead.

What does he do without Curry?

Is this team going to rely on three-point shooting, or will they go bigger and attempt to clog the paint against Rudy Gobert and his T-Wolves?

Butler doesn’t care about what the roster looks like or who gets the most time on the court.

What he cares about is winning, and he will do everything in his power to make that happen.

It wasn’t enough on Thursday, and now the series is tied at 1-1.

Kerr, Butler, and the rest of the Warriors will take a good, long look at what went wrong and now prepare for adjustments for Game 3.

The post Jimmy Butler Shares ‘Biggest Lesson’ After Loss On Thursday appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jimmy-butler-shares-biggest-lesson-after-loss-on-thursday/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Reveals Jonathan Kuminga’s Status For Game 3

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors were without Stephen Curry on Thursday night, so they had to rely on other players, including a star who hasn’t spent a lot of time on the court lately.

Following his team’s 117-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, head coach Steve Kerr talked about Jonathan Kuminga and promised fans they’d see him again soon.

“[Jonathan Kuminga] obviously will be back out there for Game 3. And we’re going to need him,” Kerr said.

Kuminga came off the bench and led his team with 18 points, playing for 26 minutes.

He hasn’t been in a game that long in months, and Kuminga was ready to prove himself.

Even though the Warriors didn’t win, Kuminga made a statement, and now that will pay off because Kerr said he’d be in the rotation for Game 3.

It has been a complicated season for the young star.

There were already questions about his future with the team, but then Jimmy Butler arrived, and his place in the lineup became more questionable.

The Warriors may not have won against the Timberwolves, but this was the sort of game that Kuminga needed.

It reminded fans and Kerr what he can do, and it assured him space in upcoming games.

Now, he just needs to capitalize on it.

Game 3 will be held in San Francisco, which means Kuminga might have a chance to impress his home crowd.

Will he get more than 26 minutes in the next game, and can his Warriors bounce back after a stinging loss, even without Curry?

Kuminga was a big part of their last game; will he be a major part of the next ones?

The post Steve Kerr Reveals Jonathan Kuminga’s Status For Game 3 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-reveals-jonathan-kumingas-status-for-game-3/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Warriors Made Franchise Playoffs History Against Timberwolves

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors escaped what could have been a historic collapse, finally putting away the Houston Rockets in a seven-game first-round series.

Their second-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves comes with massive stakes. Coming off an exhausting Game 7 with minimal rest, conventional wisdom suggested the Warriors might struggle with energy.

Instead, they flipped the script entirely and etched their name in the record books.

In Game 1, Golden State limited the Timberwolves to 31 points in the first half, setting a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a playoff half since the shot clock was introduced in 1954.

“The Dubs’ defense made a stand in the first half,” NBCS Warriors wrote on X.

The Dubs' defense made a stand in the first half

pic.twitter.com/wUHH9CGdpU

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 7, 2025

This defensive dominance created an absolute shooting disaster for Minnesota.

The Timberwolves missed their first 16 attempts from 3-point range before Naz Reid finally broke the drought midway through the third quarter.

Anthony Edwards, typically a scoring machine, struggled to find any offensive rhythm.

These factors gave Golden State crucial breathing room, especially after Stephen Curry exited the game with a hamstring injury.

Moving forward, maintaining such defensive intensity will be a tall order for the Warriors.

However, if they can secure a Game 2 victory on Minnesota’s home court, it would dramatically shift the series dynamics.

Stealing the opener not only gave the Warriors a mathematical advantage but also provided a significant psychological edge as they continue their championship pursuit.

The question now becomes whether this defensive showing was a one-game anomaly or a sign of what the Warriors can consistently accomplish.

The post Warriors Made Franchise Playoffs History Against Timberwolves appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/warriors-made-franchise-playoffs-history-against-timberwolves/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Insider Says Warriors Can ‘Steal A Win’ With Interesting Lineup

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors are down 2-1 in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves and are desperately trying to hang on until Steph Curry returns from his injury.

They have a few more games, at least, until Curry is suiting up again, so how can they score some wins in the meantime?

Writing for ESPN, Dave McMenamin highlighted a lineup that might get the job done for the Warriors.

“If the Warriors can continue to use Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga to harass the Wolves’ ball handlers and get a little more organized in their transition game when they do force a Minnesota blunder, Golden State might be able to steal a win to extend the series and give Curry a chance to heal his left hamstring for a Game 6 return,” McMenamin wrote.

McMenamin reminded readers that the Timberwolves have committed more turnovers than the Warriors during the first three games.

But the Warriors aren’t taking advantage of that and have scored only 13 points on those mistakes, while the Wolves have capitalized on Golden State’s turnovers and scored 16 points on them.

McMenamin believes the lineup he wrote about can bully the Timberwolves enough and score more turnovers.

But the Warriors will also have to enhance their transition work so they can make the most out of that.

The Warriors are still in this series, and they have been playing well, despite losing Curry.

However, everyone knows everything can change in their favor if they get their star player back, and McMenamin thinks this is the best path forward for them as they await Curry.

The post Insider Says Warriors Can ‘Steal A Win’ With Interesting Lineup appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-says-warriors-can-steal-a-win-with-interesting-lineup/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Draymond Green Sends Confident Message About Warriors, Jimmy Butler

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors don’t want to be without Stephen Curry, but there is a very good chance he will miss at least a few games in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

But that doesn’t mean the team won’t be in good hands.

According to Draymond Green, this will be Jimmy Butler’s time to shine.

Speaking with ESPN, Green talked about what Butler is capable of and how he can help carry the team without Curry.

“We know what Jimmy’s capable of,” Green said. “Jimmy’s capable of carrying a team. He carried a team to the Finals twice. So we won’t panic. We will figure out what that means. We have the best coaching staff in the NBA. We know they’ll put us in a good spot and let us know what our offense looks like without Steph if we have to go on without him. We got full confidence in the guys that are on this team that we can make plays, can make shots.”

This may be the moment that Butler was made for.

He has the nickname “Playoff Jimmy” for a reason, and he could prove what he is capable of in the days ahead.

He used to lead the Miami Heat and was considered a great floor general, someone who could score, make plays, and guide his team.

When he came to the Warriors, people wondered how he’d work alongside Curry, perhaps the most talented point guard of all time.

The Warriors have been Curry’s team for years, so Butler was immediately designated second-in-command.

But a moment like this will allow Butler to show his own style of leadership.

It’s a huge responsibility, especially at this point in the season, but Butler has been in situations like this before.

If Butler is able to step up and push his team forward without Curry, he will earn a special place in team history and the hearts of all fans.

The post Draymond Green Sends Confident Message About Warriors, Jimmy Butler appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/draymond-green-sends-confident-message-about-warriors-jimmy-butler/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Rudy Gobert Gets Honest About Warriors’ Approach In Game 1

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors lost Stephen Curry during Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, but Rudy Gobert feels it didn’t affect them much.

Following his team’s disappointing and surprising loss to Golden State, Gobert opened up to ESPN about what he noticed.

“I didn’t see any change in their approach,” Minnesota center Rudy Gobert said. “Obviously, Steph is Steph, but they were playing like their life depended on it since the beginning of the game and I didn’t feel that for us early on.”

This is a big problem for the Timberwolves and a huge testament to the will of the Warriors.

Golden State have been fighting hard for the last few months, clawing their way into playoff contention after being counted out by many NBA fans.

They are also coming off a hard-fought series against the Houston Rockets, which has only improved their confidence.

This is a team that has looked totally different since adding Jimmy Butler in February, and they feel they are capable of anything, even if Curry is out with an injury.

Gobert didn’t like what he saw from his team, who weren’t acting like a squad trying to fight for their lives.

Will that change in Game 2 and beyond, especially if Curry is out with a hamstring injury?

The Timberwolves desperately wanted to take Game 1, and now they are on their heels after a surprising loss.

But they have time to recover, change their approach, and look much better in a few days.

Even when they lost their greatest star, the Warriors kept playing well, Gobert said.

Will his own team learn from that and adjust?

The post Rudy Gobert Gets Honest About Warriors’ Approach In Game 1 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/rudy-gobert-gets-honest-about-warriors-approach-in-game-1/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Dwight Howard Makes Bold Prediction About Warriors In Playoffs

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors know they have their work cut out for them, but they still believe they can reach the Western Conference Finals.

However, Dwight Howard doesn’t think it’s possible.

Speaking on NBA on TNT, Howard said the Warriors will not rally back in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“[Warriors] got about the same amount of a chance as Boston do. Zero. It’s over with for both of them. I’m going with it. Golden State is out,” Howard said.

"[Warriors] got about the same amount of a chance as Boston do. Zero."

Dwight doesn't see the Dubs making it past Game 5

pic.twitter.com/BlpfQ4gTxH

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 14, 2025

History would suggest that Howard is right.

It is incredibly hard for a team to climb out of a 3-1 hole, and that is exactly where the Warriors currently find themselves.

The big problem is that Golden State has been without Steph Curry, who injured himself during Game 1.

Game 1 happens to be the only match the Warriors won, and they have been floundering ever since.

Their plan was to hold on as long as possible and stay in the fight until Curry is able to suit up again.

There is speculation that he could be ready to play in Game 6, but the Warriors might not get that far.

They were just taken down at home and now have to play the next game on the road in Minnesota.

There is a very good chance their season ends during Game 5 in front of thousands of cheering Timberwolves fans.

But what if they can pull off a win and Curry is ready to show off in Game 6?

Could they even the series and then force a Game 7?

It’s not easy, and it hasn’t been done often, but the Warriors are trying to hold onto hope, even when others like Howard have counted them out.

The post Dwight Howard Makes Bold Prediction About Warriors In Playoffs appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/dwight-howard-makes-bold-prediction-about-warriors-in-playoffs/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Reveals How Stephen Curry’s Absence Impacted Warriors

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors were trying to find an identity without Steph Curry, and they just couldn’t figure it out.

Following Wednesday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, head coach Steve Kerr talked with ESPN about what his opponents did right.

“[The Timberwolves] guarded us on the perimeter. They were trying to take away our 3s. And that forced Jimmy [Butler] to play a lot of one-on-one against a long, athletic team. They just made the decision not to leave our perimeter guys, even our non-shooters on the perimeter,” Kerr said. “Once Steph went out, it changed everything for our whole team, but especially for Jimmy.”

The Timberwolves took advantage of Curry’s absence, and things were never the same for the Warriors.

They hounded nearly every player for Golden State, no matter where they were shooting from.

But their dogged approach to guarding on the perimeter really hurt the Warriors, who were playing terrific basketball prior to Curry’s injury.

Without him, the team looked and felt completely different.

The Timberwolves were bigger, stronger, and more aggressive on defense.

All of that added up to the Warriors being limited from the perimeter and beyond the three-point arc.

Kerr believes his team would have had a chance to win it all if Curry were healthy.

Instead, this playoff run will always be a big “what if” for Warriors fans, who will forever wonder how things could have played out differently if they had this biggest and most impactful star.

The Warriors are so reliant on Curry that the Timberwolves were able to easily manipulate and limit them while he was gone.

In the end, that made all the difference and ended the season for Golden State.

The post Steve Kerr Reveals How Stephen Curry’s Absence Impacted Warriors appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-reveals-how-stephen-currys-absence-impacted-warriors/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Sends Encouraging Message To Brandin Podziemski

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warriors just pushed through an inopportune and unfortunate shooting slump, but his Wednesday night performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves was something to write home about.

Speaking to NBC Sports after the team’s 121-110 loss to the T-Wolves, head coach Steve Kerr talked about Podziemski and all that he did for the team.

He also mentioned how important this series will be for Podziemski’s development.

“This was a great experience for [Brandin Podziemski],” Kerr told reporters after the loss. “There were times in this series where he was hesitant to shoot, even tonight he was 4-for-6. I thought he could’ve gotten 10 or 11 threes off, and we needed those. And I told him that after the game, I said, ‘When we get back here next season, you are not going to turn down a single shot.”

This is good news for all Podziemski fans because it proves that Kerr believes in the young star and that he sees him as a vital part of the lineup next season.

Podziemski led his team with 28 points on Wednesday, going 11-of-19 from the field while adding six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

He was looking much better than in previous games, when he was in a severe shooting rut and wasn’t helping the team.

Kerr turned to Podziemski because he thought he could deliver the sort of shooting that would keep the Warriors in the game and keep their hopes alive.

Golden State wanted to tread water until Steph Curry returned from injury.

Sadly, they won’t get the chance to play with Curry again this season because the Timberwolves were just too much for them.

Now the Warriors will enjoy a long summer break and start making plans for next season.

Kerr says he sees Podziemski as part of the team next year, but does the front office feel the same way?

The post Steve Kerr Sends Encouraging Message To Brandin Podziemski appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-sends-encouraging-message-to-brandin-podziemski/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Warriors Veteran Is Expected To Be Traded This Offseason

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Jonathan Kuminga’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors has featured moments of promise mixed with stretches of inconsistency.

Following the Warriors’ playoff elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 121-110 Game 5 defeat, speculation about his future has intensified.

As his fourth NBA season concludes, the likelihood of the young forward continuing his career elsewhere seems more probable than ever.

“Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors are expected to ‘explore sign and trade’ scenarios, per Anthony Slater,” Legion Hoops shared.

Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors are expected to “explore sign-and-trade” scenarios, per @anthonyVslater.

(via @ThompsonScribe) pic.twitter.com/aE0xXLxGbV

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 15, 2025

Warriors supporters expressed disappointment after Minnesota dispatched Golden State in five games during the Western Conference semifinals.

With Stephen Curry sidelined due to injury, Kuminga stepped into an expanded role, making valiant efforts to keep the Warriors competitive against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.

His performances in crucial late-season contests garnered appreciation from the fanbase, particularly in high-stakes situations.

Entering his fourth professional campaign, Kuminga has shown tantalizing potential that generates excitement but simultaneously raises questions about his ceiling.

A trade could provide him a fresh start while allowing the Warriors to acquire pieces that complement their established stars.

Reports indicate Golden State is expected to extend his $7.9 million qualifying offer this offseason.

Last season, the Brooklyn Nets emerged as serious suitors for Kuminga’s talents, with early indications pointing toward a substantial offer.

Reports suggested Brooklyn was prepared to present an aggressive offer sheet to outbid Golden State.

Kuminga’s representatives reportedly sought approximately $35 million annually, while the Warriors held firm at $30 million.

Current circumstances show the Nets possess over $40 million in available cap space along with the eighth selection in the upcoming draft, suggesting their pursuit of Kuminga could intensify in the coming weeks.

The post Warriors Veteran Is Expected To Be Traded This Offseason appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/warriors-veteran-is-expected-to-be-traded-this-offseason/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Stephen Curry Sends Message To Draymond Green For Latest Honor

(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors dynasty wouldn’t be the same without Draymond Green orchestrating defensive schemes that frustrated opponents for over a decade.

This season brought another milestone for one half of the Warriors’ core duo.

The NBA officially announced Green’s selection to the All-Defensive First Team for the fifth time in his career, adding another chapter to his legacy.

It didn’t take long for longtime teammate and friend Stephen Curry to post his congratulations on social media.

“Been doing it your whole career but to be back on 1st team after a decade is legendary! 5 timer club,” Curry wrote, via Warriors on NBCS. “Congrats bro.”

Steph congratulates Draymond for making the All-Defensive First Team

[via @StephenCurry30 / IG] pic.twitter.com/ZuYAdO5Jl6

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 22, 2025

Curry shared his message through his Instagram story, celebrating Green’s achievement with the kind of genuine excitement that speaks to their bond both on and off the court.

The recognition carries extra weight considering Green’s journey back to the top tier of defensive honors after several seasons.

He averaged 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while adding 1.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per contest.

Those statistics might not jump off the page, but they represent the foundation of a defense that kept the Warriors competitive throughout the season.

The fifth All-Defensive First Team selection puts Green in rare company. Combined with his four All-Defensive Second Team honors, he is among 13 players in NBA history with at least nine total All-Defensive selections.

That level of consistency speaks to both his talent and his commitment to the less glamorous side of the game.

In addition to Green, the 2024-25 All-Defensive First Team includes Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort and Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley, who was named Defensive Player of the Year.

The post Stephen Curry Sends Message To Draymond Green For Latest Honor appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stephen-curry-sends-message-to-draymond-green-for-latest-honor/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

Steve Kerr Makes Telling Statement About Jonathan Kuminga

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

For years, the Golden State Warriors have hoped that Jonathan Kuminga would take a leap forward.

He has shown glimpses of great play, but he has yet to find his stride or be a consistent contributor.

He was even given a chance to be a starter, but that didn’t work out, and there was a time when he wasn’t even a part of the rotation.

Notably, there were always rumors about Steve Kerr not being a fan of his game.

Now, the renowned coach may have finally confirmed it.

When asked about Kuminga’s role, Kerr admitted that he wasn’t someone he could trust to play big minutes if he wanted to compete at the highest level right now.

“It’s a tricky one because Jonathan obviously is gifted and wants to play a bigger role and wants to play more. And for me, I’ve been asked to win. And right now, he’s not a guy who I can say I’m going to play 38 minutes with the roster that we have — Steph and Jimmy and Draymond — and put the puzzle together that way and expect to win,” he said.

Steve Kerr says Jonathan Kuminga is not the type of player he would play heavy minutes at the moment if he wants to win games

“It’s a tricky one because Jonathan obviously is gifted and wants to play a bigger role and wants to play more. And for me, I’ve been asked to win. And… pic.twitter.com/SDTF0TZwlv

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 22, 2025

It’s hard to blame him, all things considered.

Granted, perhaps he just needs more opportunities to find his groove and fulfill his potential, but the Warriors aren’t the kind of team that can afford to do so at the moment.

Kuminga has been quite critical of the way the Warriors have dealt with him, openly criticizing coach Kerr for not playing him.

Draymond Green also admitted that he didn’t know how to approach him or get to him.

Reports state that team owner Joe Lacob is his biggest supporter in the building, which is why they haven’t traded him.

But after watching how things unfolded this season and after years of waiting for him to take a step forward, it seems like it’s time to assess where he fits in this organization going forward.

The post Steve Kerr Makes Telling Statement About Jonathan Kuminga appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/steve-kerr-makes-telling-statement-about-jonathan-kuminga/

 

[Golden State Warriors]

NBA Scout Reveals The ‘Best Thing’ Warriors Could Do For Jonathan Kuminga

(Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)

Fans of the Golden State Warriors didn’t see a lot of Jonathan Kuminga this season, but what they did see, they liked.

He wasn’t in the starting rotation for the Warriors during their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but once he started playing, he performed well.

However, is Kuminga’s best path forward with a totally different team?

Writing for ESPN, one unnamed league scout said Kuminga might do better if he moves to another location in the NBA.

“The best thing that happens to [Jonathan Kuminga] is if they sign-and-trade him,” one scout said.

He averaged 24.3 points during the team’s final four games of the season and shot 55 percent from the field.

During his 47 games in 2024-25, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds on 45.4 percent from the field.

He is the sort of player who could really blossom with a different team if the Warriors decide to let him go.

If they do commit to a sign-and-trade for him, where would he end up?

ESPN said the Brooklyn Nets would take a look at him, while the Chicago Bulls could also contemplate going after Kuminga.

Because of his hard work over the last few years, there are a few options that might be best for him.

Of course, the Warriors could decide to hold onto Kuminga as well.

They haven’t given him consistent minutes, but head coach Steve Kerr has said he is fond of the young player and his willingness to do whatever the team needs.

Have we seen the last of Kuminga with Golden State?

It’s one of the questions that NBA fans will be asking in the weeks ahead.

The post NBA Scout Reveals The ‘Best Thing’ Warriors Could Do For Jonathan Kuminga appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nba-scout-reveals-the-best-thing-warriors-could-do-for-jonathan-kuminga/