The Warriors and Nuggets will face off in Game 5 in Minnesota.
The Golden State Warriors’ 2024-25 season could come to an end tonight in Minnesota, where they’ll try to snap a three-game losing streak after winning Game 1 in the series. With Stephen Curry slated to miss his fourth consecutive contest due to a hamstring injury, the offense will again have to flow through Jimmy Butler III.
‘Playoff Jimmy’ has been solid in Curry’s absence by averaging 21.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists over his last three outings, which included a 33-point, 7-rebound and 7-assist performance in Game 3’s 102-97 loss. However, Butler III is going to need some more help from the supporting cast around him if the Warriors hope to extend this series and their season.
Butler III is known for his all-around game, and while it’s certain he’ll have to be aggressive to provide a scoring punch, he and the Warriors might be at their best when he’s creating open looks for guys like Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski and Draymond Green. His series-high eight dimes in Game 1 were a difference maker in their only win.
Coach Steve Kerr could put Jimmy in total control of running the offense with an onus on drawing up looks to get ‘Podz’ going, who has struggled in the semifinals (7.5 ppg on 22.5 FG%, 17.6 3P%) after an impressive series vs Houston. Hield has played incredibly well against the Wolves, putting up 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals while shooting lights out from behind the arc (48.4% on 7.8 attempts) in his four starts. Golden State should continue to rely on his 3-point accuracy in a do-or-die Game 5, especially after Buddy’s historical showing in Game 7 in the first round against Houston where he erupted for 33 points on 12-for-15 shooting with nine made 3s.
A shakeup to the starting unit should also be on the table for Kerr and his coaching staff. Jonathan Kuminga has been excellent in the last three games despite the losses. The explosive athlete has put up 23.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 59.5% FG / 44.4% 3P / 77.3% FT shooting splits in 30.6 minutes a night during that span, including a playoff career-high 30 points in Game 3. Giving Kuminga the starting nod over Podziemski would allow the Warriors to get more size and scoring in their first unit, while also taking some of the pressure off Podz to break out of his slump.
Finally, the Warriors have to execute better and take care of the ball. The only team averaging more turnovers than Golden State’s 17.3 per game in the Conference semifinals are the Timberwolves (17.8 TOs). However, Minnesota has done more with their extra possessions by turning them into 17.5 points off turnovers, whereas Golden State has been limited to just 14.8 points in that area.
The Warriors know what’s at stake tonight as they prepare for a must-win Game 5 on the road (9:30 ET, TNT). If they’re able to stay focused on winning one at a time, execute on both sides of the ball, and limit their turnovers, Golden State will have a shot at pushing this series to a Game 6 at Chase Center on Sunday.
