Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and now Stephen Curry? This was the question on everyone’s mind as the Golden State Warriors geared up to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs. While many favored Anthony Edwards and Co. for this matchup, the Dubs proved them wrong. Stephen Curry and Co. managed to secure an impressive 99-88 win over Minnesota, earning a crucial 1-0 lead. However, the win did not come without adversity. The Dubs superstar, Stephen Curry, suffered an unfortunate hamstring strain early in the second quarter. This injury sent the two-time MVP back to the locker room and not return for the rest of the game. Of course, this put head coach Steve Kerr in a massive dilemma midway through the game.

Amid Gary Payton II’s return and with Moses Moody and Gui Santos each seeing minutes in the first quarter, it seemed like Kerr would most likely trust them in Curry’s absence, and Jonathan Kuminga would register his 7th DNP in the last ten games. However, the Warriors’ HC decided to give Kuminga a rare chance as he entered the game with five minutes left in the second quarter. This stint yielded just one rebound and one assist, but the best was yet to come from the young forward’s behalf.  In the second half, Kuminga returned to the floor, scoring seven points in just eight minutes of action and helping his team big time.

He knocked down free throws, dunked, and even scored a three-pointer, which hasn’t been his forte in recent weeks. With Stephen Curry’s health having a big question mark over it, many believe that Kerr might be tempted to bring Jonathan Kuminga back into the rotation as he did in Game 1.

“I think, honestly, I mean, he went to Kuminga-Moody in the second half, and I would expect that in game two, so we might be talking more Kuminga-Podziemski,” stated the guests on the podcast, Warriors Plus Minus. The 22-year-old forward was the Warriors’ third-leading scorer before he was dropped from the rotation after struggling big time.

However, Golden State might be without its franchise player and in dire need of scorers to replace Stephen Curry. While Kerr might lean more toward his trusted players, such as Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield, who are in red-hot form, Kuminga could also be a solid option. During his four years in San Francisco, he’s already had too many swings, and this might be the newest chapter in Kuminga’s story in the Bay Area. He’s set to become a restricted free agent this summer. However, who knows? A great playoff run might just be what he needs to make Golden State’s front office change its mind.

As Steve Kerr figures out the Jonathan Kuminga situation, another problem has emerged for the Warriors as they head toward Game 2.

A massive Timberwolves problem emerges for the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors managed to gain a 1-0 lead in the series as they got the better of Minnesota. While the Timberwolves fell flat in the first half, scoring just 31 points in the first half, they showed up in the second. Anthony Edwards finished the game with 23 points, most of which came in the second period. Julius Randle and Naz Reid also added 18 and 19 points, respectively. But it was too much for Minnesota after an abysmal first half. Nonetheless, there were bright spots for the Wolves and some things that might be a problem for the Warriors.

Golden State’s young guard, Brandin Podziemski, struggled hugely, managing to score only 3 points along with three assists and eight rebounds in 27 minutes of action. The reason for this poor showing? Well, analysts suggest that Minnesota’s Donte DiVincenzo made life tough for the 22-year-old guard. “He’s just, he’s been in such a funk with his offense, with not knowing where to go, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have this much time bringing it up. Like, Donte DiVincenzo really made him feel uncomfortable. Donte DiVincenzo is good. He’s helping out with the ball.” Said the guests on the ‘Warriors Plus Minus‘ podcast.

Indeed, Podziemski had a hard time pairing up against DiVincenzo. The Warriors guard could not keep his cool against the Minnesota star, as he shot a terrible 1-of-7 from the field and just 1-of-5 from the three-point line. This was nowhere near Brandin Podziemski’s best performances. He’s had a phenomenal season so far, averaging 10 points and three assists in the postseason. While Donte DiVincenzo got the better of the 22-year-old, he will be reflecting upon his mistakes and will try to improve them as the Warriors gear up for round two against the Timberwolves.