Imagine the practice court of the Golden State Warriors filled with energy as Stephen Curry delivers shot after shot. This familiar sight of Curry makes the team feel a sense of reassurance. While Curry serves as both an advantage and a challenge for the Warriors, his capacity to lead offensively is critical. But this dependency places immense pressure on him. While Curry remains the undisputed star, adding another layer of interest are Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga.

As Dalton Johnson noted on Dubs Talk, “Its Steph Draymond is my guarantee in the starting lineup.” Green’s return after the suspension because of an argument with Suns star Jusuf Nurkić and overreliance on Curry has shifted the spotlight on two major concerns, Wiggins and Kuminga, whose ability to rise to the occasion could determine the Warriors’ fate this season.

If Wiggins and Kuminga do not step up consistently, Curry’s efforts alone may not be sufficient to drive the team to success. As Johnson states, “After that, you would think that it’s going to be Andrew Wiggins. You would think that by this point, as far as someone who wants to get paid, who in many ways did take that year-three leap, who, of course, ownership wants to take that leap as well, is Jonathan Kuminga.”

As Wiggins faces a season full of pressure, once celebrated for his All-Star capabilities, inconsistency and injuries have marred Wiggins’ recent performance. The Warriors need him to be a reliable and strong player on both offense and defense, especially after his recent ankle sprain. His ability to overcome past challenges and provide the team with a solid performance is crucial. Meanwhile,  Kuminga’s development in the 2023-24 season with 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds,  2.2 assists, and 52.9% FG, sets high expectations for him for this season.

As the Warriors struggle with inconsistent performance this season, the underlying issue of overreliance on Stephen Curry has become increasingly evident. Despite his incredible efforts, including a standout performance against the in the 2016 NBA finals, here is how Curry failed the Warriors.

The shot that echoes through time: The 2016 Stephen Curry heartbreak

“What I say about that 3–1 situation is I’ve never seen two guys play at that level for three straight games,” is what Curry told on The Old Man and The Tree podcast, reflecting on the 2016 NBA Finals, where the Warriors blew a 3-1 series lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Curry conveyed the lasting impact of that failure. Despite a 73-9 record and Curry’s outstanding performance, including an MVP season, the Warriors couldn’t secure the championship. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving delivered extraordinary performances, with Irving’s pivotal three-pointer over Curry in Game 7 sealing the Cavaliers’ comeback win. Curry admitted, “If there’s, like, one play, like, I know I should’ve done something different, it’s that one.”

The crucial moment came with just 53 seconds left in Game 7 when Kyrie Irving hit a decisive three-pointer over Curry. This shot not only sealed the Cavaliers’ victory but also epitomized the critical pressure Curry faced. As Irving’s 25-footer made its way into the net, it highlighted how Curry’s failure to defend or respond effectively in clutch moments played a part in the Warriors’ downfall. Curry admitted, “If there’s, like, one play, like, I know I should’ve done something different, it’s that one.”

The significance of Irving’s shot reflects how Curry’s overreliance can be a double-edged sword. While Curry’s brilliance was pivotal in getting the Warriors to that position, his inability to prevent Irving’s critical shot highlighted the broader issue: the team’s excessive dependency on him. This historical context amplifies the current concerns surrounding Curry’s role in the Warriors’ ongoing struggles and need for a more balanced team.