Golden State’s Signature Weapon Falters Without Curry

The Golden State Warriors’ legendary three-point dominance – the engine behind their four NBA championships – collapsed spectacularly in Game 3 of their Western Conference Semifinal series. With Stephen Curry sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Warriors set an unwanted NBA playoff record: fewer than six three-point attempts in a half, missing all five first-half shots from beyond the arc. Despite clawing to a 42-40 halftime lead, Minnesota’s late-game poise delivered a 102-97 victory, putting the Timberwolves up 2-1 in the series.

The Three-Point Drought: A Historic First Half

Golden State’s opening 24 minutes defied modern NBA logic. Averaging 30+ three-point attempts per game during the regular season, Steve Kerr’s squad abandoned their identity under defensive pressure. Minnesota’s paint-clogging strategy exploited Curry’s absence, forcing contested mid-range jumpers instead of open threes.

Key Stats:

• 0/5 three-pointers in first half (worst since 2020)

• 14 points in the paint vs. Minnesota’s 26

• Jimmy Butler & Jonathan Kuminga: 1/6 combined from deep

While Butler’s relentless drives (33 points) and Kuminga’s athleticism (27 points) kept Golden State competitive early, the lack of perimeter gravity exposed their half-court limitations.

Timberwolves’ Second-Half Masterclass

Minnesota flipped the game with two defining forces:

1. Anthony Edwards’ Takeover
   The All-Star erupted for 28 second-half points, including a posterizing dunk over Kevon Looney that shifted momentum.

2. Julius Randle’s Triple-Double
   The power forward dominated with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists – consistently finding open shooters like Buddy Hield (14 points, 4/7 from three).

The Wolves closed strong with a 25-15 run in the final 8 minutes, capitalizing on Draymond Green and Looney fouling out while Butler visibly fatigued.

Steve Kerr’s Frank Assessment

The Warriors’ coach pulled no punches postgame:

“Minnesota earned this. We had to adapt without Steph, but their defense never relented. Edwards made superstar plays when it mattered most.”

Kerr defended his emphasis on interior scoring over forced threes but conceded:

“Our spacing collapsed without Steph’s threat. You can’t replicate that kind of gravitational pull.”

Series Outlook: No Margin for Error

Critical Factors for Game 4:

• Curry’s Status: Hamstring recovery timeline remains unclear

• Adjustment Battle: Can Kerr scheme open threes without his MVP?

• Minnesota’s Momentum: Edwards/Randle have combined for 60 points and 22 assists in two wins

Golden State must rediscover their three-point identity while maintaining first-half defensive intensity – a near-impossible ask without the greatest shooter in NBA history.

Final Analysis
This loss exposed Golden State’s vulnerability in the post-Curry era. Minnesota’s physicality and Edwards’ ascendance now threaten to end the Warriors’ dynasty unless they solve their spacing crisis by Friday’s pivotal Game 4.