With Stephen Curry watching from the bench, the Warriors’ season came to a close with a 121-110 Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves, leaving the franchise to now decide how to proceed with an aging core thirsty for one more taste of glory.

The second-round playoff series changed completely when Curry strained his left hamstring in Golden State’s Game 1 win. The team never recovered, losing four straight games to the younger and more athletic Minnesota squad.

Warriors players and coaches were quick to credit the Wolves for sending them on early vacation, but the unmistakable reality was that without Curry, the Warriors lacked sufficient firepower to compete.

Kerr, under whose leadership the Warriors became an NBA dynasty with titles in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, said it was “a hell of a run” after the acquisition of Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline revived their postseason hopes.

But that league, especially the stacked Western Conference, continues to get better, and the Warriors also have to contend with Father Time.

Curry, who was likely to play in Game 6 of the series had the Warriors been able to extend it, is 37. The team’s emotional leader, Draymond Green, and Butler are both 35. (Reuters)