Stephen Curry's injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors' franchise superstar had led the team passed the No. 2-seeded Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
After landing Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, Curry was playing at a high enough level that Golden State was a legitimate dark horse title contender.
In Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Curry logged just 13 minutes -- scoring 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting -- before leaving the game with a hamstring strain.
Being the franchise talent, the Warriors have built around Curry. Without him, they've struggled mightily, losing three straight games and trailing the Timberwolves 3-1 in the series.
Heading into Game 5, the Warriors had ruled Curry out with injury.
At 37-years-old, not chancing further injury is absolutely the right move with Curry for the club.
Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts during a game.
Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts during a game.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Golden State faces elimination as Butler and Draymond Green will need to step up in a major way to force a Game 6 and prolong the second-round series.
Should the Warriors push the series another game, it's a possibility Curry is ready to return to the hardwood and help his team out, as Golden State head coach Steve Kerr revealed before Game 5.
“It’s a possibility he could play (Game 6)," Kerr said, via Anthony Slater.
With Curry, Butler and Green all being aging stars -- the championship window isn't open for long.
The Warriors had plenty of momentum entering the series, especially after taking a 1-0 series lead, though it's all crumbled since the injury to Curry.
The team will be able to contend for a title next season, assuming the organization can make proper offseason decisions, though keeping their chances alive this season would be massive.
It all starts with a Game 5 win, though, so Curry has the chance to return to the court before the season ends.