The Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors face elimination on the road during their Game 5 Western Conference semifinal showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, May 14. Despite the team’s struggles without its superstar point guard, coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic his team can steal another game at Target Center to extend the series.
Steve Kerr on Warriors’ Approach to Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Curry went down with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain in the second quarter of Game 1. While the Warriors held on for a series-opening road victory in his absence, they’ve since lost three straight contests to fall behind 3-1. This includes dropping Games 3 and 4 on their home floor.
Golden State is reportedly targeting Game 6 at Chase Center as the earliest possible date for Curry’s return. If the Jimmy Butler III-led squad doesn’t secure a Game 5 win, the two-time MVP’s comeback will be delayed until next season.
Speaking on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” on Tuesday, May 13, Kerr acknowledged Golden State’s predicament. However, he noted that a Game 5 victory could turn the tide of the series ahead of Curry’s potential Game 6 return.
“Obviously, we’re in a tough spot now being down 3-1, but we feel very strongly we can come out and get a win tomorrow,” Kerr said. “All it takes is one win, and the momentum of the series shifts.”
"Obviously we're in a tough spot now being down 3-1, but we feel very strongly we can come out and get a win tomorrow. All it takes is one win and the momentum of the series shifts."
– Steve Kerr ahead of Game 5 (via @WillardAndDibs).
🎧 https://t.co/H684KwQznk pic.twitter.com/l4e7TyMohd
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame)
Kerr added that his seasoned unit maintains self-belief entering Wednesday’s game.
“Defiant. This is a proud group,” Kerr said of the Warriors’ mood. “This is a seven-game series for a reason. There’s a lot of basketball to be played, so we’re excited about tomorrow.”
Golden State has struggled to generate consistent offense sans Curry, with Butler enduring an up-and-down series. Fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga has been an unexpected bright spot, tallying 18+ points in three straight outings.
Even so, the team hasn’t been able to combat Minnesota’s offensive attack, spearheaded by superstar Anthony Edwards. The three-time All-Star scored 16 of his 30 points in the third quarter of Game 4 as the Timberwolves outscored the Warriors 39-17 in the period to pull away.
Kerr Expecting a Bounce-Back Performance From Jimmy Butler III
Butler managed just 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists on 5-for-9 shooting (55.6%) during the 117-110 Game 4 home defeat. However, according to Kerr, the typically exceptional postseason performer was battling an illness and should be primed for a rebound effort in Game 5.
“Jimmy was under the weather last night. He really was not feeling well, and that definitely impacted him,” Kerr said. “Everyone knows who Jimmy is. He’s one of the great playoff performers, and I expect him to have a big game tomorrow.”
Given Golden State’s limited offensive options and Minnesota’s momentum and home-court advantage, the Warriors may need a heroic showing from Butler to stay alive.
