The 2025 NBA season was a rollercoaster of exhilarating highs and frustrating lows for Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry. Displaying vintage form, Curry once again cemented his status as one of the league’s elite, culminating in a spectacular performance at the All-Star Game that earned him his second All-Star MVP trophy. However, the season took a cruel turn when a hamstring injury sidelined him during the Warriors’ crucial playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
A Season of Brilliance:
Throughout the 2024-25 regular season, Curry showcased his unparalleled offensive prowess. In 70 games, he averaged an impressive 24.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, consistently dazzling audiences with his mesmerizing ball-handling and deadly three-point shooting. His leadership and court vision were instrumental in guiding the Warriors to a hard-fought playoff berth after a somewhat inconsistent start to the season.
All-Star Glory:
The pinnacle of Curry’s individual success came during the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend held in his home city of San Francisco. Playing in front of a roaring Chase Center crowd, Curry led “Team Shaq’s OGs” to victory in the revamped tournament-style format. His performance in the championship game was particularly memorable, as he poured in 12 points, including a signature flurry spurred by a half-court shot. Across his two All-Star appearances, Curry totaled 20 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two assists, earning him the prestigious All-Star Game MVP award, his second such honor. This recognition further solidified his legendary status and provided a moment of pure joy for Warriors fans.
Playoff Heartbreak:
Carrying momentum from his stellar regular season and All-Star triumph, Curry entered the playoffs with high hopes of leading the Warriors on another deep postseason run. After navigating the Play-In Tournament, the Warriors faced a formidable challenge in the second round against the young and hungry Minnesota Timberwolves.
Unfortunately, disaster struck early in Game 1. Just 13 minutes into the contest, Curry suffered a left hamstring strain. Despite his absence, the Warriors managed to steal a surprising victory on the road. However, the subsequent games highlighted the immense void left by their talisman. Without Curry’s scoring, playmaking, and overall gravity, the Warriors struggled to consistently generate offense and ultimately fell in five games to the Timberwolves.
A “What If” Scenario:
The what-ifs surrounding Curry’s injury loomed large over the Warriors’ playoff exit. Many analysts and fans believe that a healthy Curry could have significantly altered the outcome of the series. His ability to take over games, create open looks for his teammates, and demoralize opponents with his shooting could have potentially swung the tight contests in Golden State’s favor.
Even Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the impact of Curry’s absence, stating, “A tremendous loss for Golden State, no doubt, a tremendous loss for the series. I’m sure it would’ve been quite different if Steph would’ve been able to play.”
Looking Ahead:
Despite the disappointing end to their season, the Warriors and their fans can take solace in Curry’s continued brilliance when healthy. As he recovers from his hamstring strain, the focus will shift to the offseason and how the team can retool to maximize their championship window while Curry remains at an elite level. The 2025 season served as a stark reminder of Curry’s irreplaceable value to the Warriors and the bittersweet reality of how quickly fortunes can change in the unforgiving landscape of the NBA playoffs.