MINNEAPOLIS — Steph Curry sat back in the dimming light of the visiting locker room at Target Center, his frustration palpable as he gazed blankly at the ceiling. Just hours before, the Golden State Warriors had entered Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with renewed hope, buoyed by a rallying cry echoing the dramatic comeback of the 2004 Boston Red Sox.

Curry reflected on Kevin Millar's fateful words: "Don't let us win tonight." Yet as the final buzzer sounded, the Warriors were left licking their wounds after a 121-110 defeat, ending their season in what can only be described as a gentleman's sweep.

Curry's looming presence was missed, and even he admitted the pain was amplified by a sense of lost opportunity. "It's the ultimate gut-punch because of that. You just don’t want to go out like this," he lamented, further underscoring the weight of what could have been.

After the game, Warriors owner Joe Lacob was keen to share his disappointment. Despite acknowledging Minnesota's quality, he openly stated, "I am pretty positive that if we had Steph, we’d have won this series." This sentiment highlights the frustration and the speculation about what might have transpired had Curry not been sidelined by injury.

Looking ahead, the Warriors seem poised to make calculated moves rather than drastic changes. With the front office indicating a commitment to retooling their supporting cast around Curry, Draymond Green, and new co-star Jimmy Butler, there is an air of continuity in their strategy.

Lacob expressed a sense of pride in reaching the second round, despite the ultimate disappointment. He noted, "Yeah, we lost four to one. Not good. But to a team that is playing very well... We didn’t have one of ours," reflecting on the critical absences during the playoff run.

With a promising record of 23-7 when both Curry and Butler played together, the Warriors remain optimistic about their core's potential. Yet, the urgency to strengthen the roster has never been more paramount.

Lacob and the front office are expected to focus on enhancing the role players alongside their star duo, rather than chasing after another superstar. Jonathan Kuminga is seen as a potential keystone in these plans, with expectations to extend his qualifying offer as he carves out a future with the team.

Kuminga’s evolution has been uneven, but he showed remarkable performance in the final games of the series. His ability to defend and impact games will be critical as the Warriors seek to solidify their foundation.

Brandin Podziemski also emerged as a key figure during this postseason, showcasing sparks of potential. However, the Warriors need him to elevate his game moving forward, especially given the heightened expectations surrounding playoff performances.

Despite the lessons learned, the focus remains on Curry, who gears up for his 17th NBA season. Lacob is confident in his team’s leadership under head coach Steve Kerr and GM Mike Dunleavy as they plan to construct a competitive roster for the coming seasons.

The journey ahead is filled with questions, but the Warriors' determination to bounce back is clear as they reassess their strategy and aim for renewed glory.