How Kuminga & Butler Can Lead the Warriors to Victory in Game 4

Gintotski Sports

Warriors vs Timberwolves Game 3 Breakdown | Can Golden State Overcome Curry’s Absence in Game 4?  In this in-depth analysis of Game 3 between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves, we break down the key moments, strategies, and individual performances that shaped the game. With Stephen Curry sidelined, Jonathan Kuminga stepped up with a career-high 30 points, but was it enough to secure the win for Golden State? The Timberwolves capitalized on the Warriors' late-game struggles, pushing the series to 2-1 in their favor.  In this video, we dive deep into:  The strengths and weaknesses of both teams as they head into Game 4.  Jonathan Kuminga’s breakthrough performance and how he could be the key to the Warriors' playoff hopes.  Jimmy Butler’s leadership and his pivotal role in Golden State's strategy without Curry.  Anthony Edwards and his explosive scoring that continues to elevate Minnesota's chances.  What adjustments Golden State must make to bounce back and even the series.  The strategic battle between Steve Kerr and Chris Finch as both teams prepare for a crucial Game 4 showdown.  Can the Warriors adapt without Curry? Can the Timberwolves hold onto their momentum? We break it all down and provide key insights into what each team needs to do to win in Game 4.  🔔 Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on the notification bell for more in-depth playoff breakdowns, game analysis, and strategy insights. Stay tuned as we continue to cover the Warriors vs Timberwolves series and more of the NBA playoffs.  💬 Comment below your predictions for Game 4! Who do you think will rise to the occasion, and which team will take control of the series?  All footage and media used in this video fall under fair use for news reporting and commentary purposes.

Transcript

00:00As the Golden State Warriors walk away from Game 3 trailing the Timberwolves 2-1 in the series,

00:06it's not just the scoreboard that demands attention, it's the story it tells.

00:10A story of shifting identities, exposed flaws, and the necessity for sharp recalibration heading into Game 4.

00:18Let's break down where both teams truly stand in this series by analyzing their strengths, vulnerabilities, and the battlefield that lies ahead.

00:27Welcome to Jintotsky Sports, your spot for all things sports.

00:32From legendary moments in big-time plays to inspiring stories and deep dives, we bring you the content that keeps the game alive.

00:40If you love sports as much as we do, hit that subscribe button and let's get into it.

00:46Starting with Golden State, their greatest strength right now isn't tied to a name on the back of a jersey, it's tied to resilience.

00:53Even without Stephen Curry on the floor, the Warriors managed to hold a lead in the fourth quarter of a high-stakes playoff game.

01:02Jonathan Kaminga stepped into a starring role, delivering a playoff career-high 30 points

01:07and showing flashes of the explosive wing Golden State always hoped he'd become.

01:13His isolation scoring, physical drives, and ability to finish through contact

01:17gave the Warriors a legitimate primary option when they needed one.

01:22Jimmy Butler's veteran poise, meanwhile, offered a secondary axis of control.

01:28His leadership didn't show just in numbers.

01:31It was evident in pace management, in late-game decision-making, and in how the team responded during runs.

01:39But the Warriors' weaknesses came into focus just as quickly.

01:44The absence of Curry was more than statistical, it was structural.

01:47Without his gravitational pull, the offense slowed.

01:52Ball movement suffered.

01:54In the final six minutes of the game, they produced empty possessions, hesitant shot selection, and breakdowns in spacing.

02:02Buddy Heald, meant to help space the floor, struggled to find rhythm,

02:07and that made it easier for Minnesota to pack the paint.

02:10Then, there was a foul trouble.

02:13Draymond Green's departure midway through the fourth left the defense scrambling.

02:18And it showed in Minnesota's late-game execution.

02:22Yet, the Warriors still have opportunity on their side.

02:25Kaminga has emerged.

02:28Tracy Jackson Davis continues to grow as a dependable big,

02:32showing flashes of smart interior positioning and vertical spacing.

02:37If Curry can return, even in a limited capacity,

02:40his presence alone would create the spacing needed to unlock Heald,

02:45and let Butler operate in his most efficient mid-post zones.

02:49The chance to equalize this series at home is still within reach,

02:53but only if they tighten their rotations and find answers for Edwards' perimeter assault.

02:59The threats, however, are mounting.

03:02Anthony Edwards' confidence is surging,

03:04and the Timberwolves are finding their rhythm.

03:07If Curry isn't back for Game 4,

03:10the Warriors risk falling behind 3-1,

03:13a deficit even the most resilient veteran cores struggle to overcome.

03:18And if Draymond's minutes are again limited by foul trouble,

03:22they lose their most essential defensive communicator.

03:26In short, the margin for error is gone.

03:28For Golden State, Steve Kerr and his staff are reviewing every frame of Game 3

03:34to identify how to recreate Curry-like spacing without the real thing.

03:38They'll want to get Kaminga engaged early

03:40and use Butler's mid-post gravity to free up catch-and-shoot options for Heald and Moody.

03:46Defensively, they'll likely mix in more traps on Edwards and show him different looks.

03:51Some soft switching early, hard hedges late,

03:54to disrupt his rhythm.

03:56And if Curry is available even in a reduced role,

04:00his reintroduction into the offense must be seamless, not experimental.

04:05They can't afford to test theories in real time with the season teetering.

04:09Now, looking at Minnesota, their strength lies in their balance.

04:14Edwards is becoming the star.

04:16They need him to be confident, composed,

04:19and relentless when it matters most.

04:22Julius Randle's role as a secondary playmaker

04:25has added a layer of unpredictability to their offense.

04:30He's not just scoring.

04:32He's facilitating from the high post,

04:34forcing mismatches, and creating second chances.

04:38Defensively, they use their length well.

04:41Jaden McDaniels disrupted passing lanes,

04:43and Gobert anchored the rim with discipline,

04:46forcing the Warriors into tougher shots as the game wore on.

04:50Yet, there are cracks in their foundation.

04:53They started slow once again,

04:55and for much of the first half,

04:57they allowed Golden State to dictate tempo.

05:00Edwards didn't find his rhythm until the second half,

05:03and the team's offensive spacing can still get cluttered when the ball sticks.

05:08If Kamingo or Butler are allowed to control pace,

05:11and the Warriors push transition more aggressively,

05:14Minnesota's transition defense could be exploited.

05:17Their opportunity now is to step on Golden State's throat.

05:22Up 2-1, with momentum in hand,

05:24they have a rare chance to seize full control of the series.

05:28Game 4 could be the moment they define themselves

05:30not just as playoff participants,

05:33but as contenders.

05:35If they execute with the same discipline,

05:37particularly in the fourth quarter,

05:39and get another explosive night from Edwards,

05:41or even a surprise lift from someone like Naz Reed or Conley,

05:45they could head back to Minnesota with the series nearly in hand.

05:50Still, the threats are real.

05:52If Curry returns and shifts Golden State's offensive gravity,

05:56it will test every inch of their perimeter defense.

05:59Kamingo's growth now forces their wings to defend in isolation

06:04more than they'd like.

06:06And if Butler continues to impose his tempo,

06:09Minnesota may find themselves in another grinded-out battle.

06:13A type of game Golden State is uniquely equipped to win.

06:17For Minnesota,

06:18Chris Finch will focus on sustaining intensity from the opening tip.

06:23They've shown an ability to close,

06:26but now they must learn how to control.

06:28The ball must move more fluidly through Randle,

06:32with Edwards moving off ball to create layers to their attack.

06:36Defensively,

06:36they'll be asked to anticipate Golden State's counters,

06:40especially if the Warriors run more split action and high horns.

06:44The goal?

06:46Keep Kaminga out of rhythm,

06:48keep Butler uncomfortable,

06:50and continue denying easy looks to shooters.

06:53Game 4 isn't just a battle for the scoreboard.

06:56It's a battle for control of the narrative.

06:59And only one of these teams will emerge from the war room

07:02with a plan sharp enough to win it.

07:05Game 3 leaves no room for doubt.

07:07Both teams know what's at stake now.

07:10For Golden State,

07:11the question is whether Hart's system

07:13and emerging talent can hold the line

07:16while they await Curry's return.

07:18For Minnesota,

07:18it's about stepping fully into contender status

07:21and closing the door while they have momentum.

07:24Game 4 isn't just about evening the series or taking control.

07:28It's about identity, execution,

07:31and who responds under fire.

07:33The war rooms are drawing up their plans.

07:36The battle resumes in 48 hours.

07:39This series is far from over,

07:41and the next move could change everything.

07:44Thanks for watching Jintotsky Sports.

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07:48or gave you something to think about,

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07:59Until next time,

08:00stay inspired

08:01and keep chasing greatness.

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