What do you get when you mix Stephen Curry’s hamstring, Draymond Green’s volatility, and Kendrick Perkins trying to play peacemaker? A Golden State Warriors playoff game so dramatic it could’ve been produced by HBO. Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves was supposed to be a “next man up” situation, but without Curry’s calming presence, the Warriors looked like a group project without the smart kid—just a whole bunch of dudes yelling and hoping for the best.

Let’s set the scene: The Warriors entered Game 3 already missing the 2-time MVP Steph Curry, who’s still nursing a hamstring strain from Game 1. He sat out Game 2, too, a game Golden State lost by a soul-snatching 24 points. But Game 3 felt different—back at Chase Center, energy buzzing, crowd roaring, Curry hyping his guys from the sideline like a proud dad at a middle school recital. The Dubs were actually leading into the fourth quarter! That is… until Draymond Green turned into Draymond Green.

Look, we all know Draymond is built different—sometimes like a tank, sometimes like a ticking time bomb. And former Warriors GM Bob Myers, the man who literally built this dynasty, gave us a quote so prophetic it should’ve come wrapped in a scroll from Mount Sinai. “I always said and I will still say if you want to move, he moves the Warriors. He can move the team more than any other player… He can move it in a good direction with his leadership and energy, and he can move it in a bad direction.”

Whew. Bob didn’t mince words. And the prophecy practically unfolded in real time on Saturday. With about four minutes left in the game and the Warriors clinging to life like a Spider-Man villain hanging from a rooftop, Draymond picked up two quick fouls like he was collecting Pokemon cards—except instead of evolving, he evaporated. That sixth foul sent him to the bench and the Timberwolves straight into the win column. Final score: 102-97, Wolves.

Let’s be clear—Golden State was in that game until Green fouled out. After he exited, the Wolves outscored the Dubs 18-15. Not a massive number, but when you’re down your star and your emotional engine, you’re toast. It’s like trying to bake cookies with no flour and one very angry egg.

The ESPN Avengers Assemble for Draymond Green

Draymond didn’t just get blasted on the court—he got hit with the full ESPN analysis Megazord. Kendrick Perkins, Stephen A. Smith, and Bob Myers all chimed in like a modern-day Greek chorus, except with more yelling and fewer togas.

Stephen A., rocking the mic like only he can, gave Draymond the tough love treatment: “He’s a four-time champion. He’s a future Hall of Famer. But don’t tell us you can’t control yourself. Off the court, you’re spotless—no trouble, no nonsense. So don’t act like it’s impossible to rein it in on the hardwood. You can control it. You just don’t.”

Then Kendrick Perkins, of all people, dropped the real challenge: “We know Draymond is a winner. But I want to see him lead without Steph Curry on the floor. It’s easy when you got an all-time great backing you up. But what you gonna do when it’s just you and the wolves—literally?”

And listen, he’s got a point. Green’s leadership is unmatched when Curry is orchestrating the offense like Mozart on a hardwood piano. But without Steph? Draymond looked like a malfunctioning Roomba, spinning in place, bumping into foul trouble.

Curry, sidelined in a sleek varsity jacket like the stylish wizard he is, has missed Games 2 and 3 with a hamstring strain. According to Shams Charania, the Warriors are holding out hope for a Game 6 return on May 18. He’s still being reevaluated this week, but unless Golden State snags at least one win at home, there might not be a Game 6.

The Warriors are now down 2-1 in the series, and Game 4is  on Monday night. If Golden State steals one, Curry has a shot at returning in Game 6. If they lose? Pack up the confetti. The dynasty might not be dead, but it’s definitely on life support.

So here we are: no Curry, a volatile Draymond, and Kendrick Perkins issuing basketball dares like it’s an anime showdown. The Warriors’ season, and maybe even the future of the Big 3 era, rests on what happens next. Buckle up, Dubs fans—it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.