The Golden State Warriors had one pathway, and one pathway alone, to staying in their second-round series vs. Minnesota long enough for Stephen Curry to get back with a realistic chance to make a difference: Jimmy Butler had to step out of this so-called Robin role that he has so enthusiastically embraced and actually put his Batman suit back on.

The Warriors don't yet know how long Curry will be out. But now they'll have to keep a promising season alive without him.

Many critics had written off the Warriors at the start of the series, but Steph Curry and his team would not be denied. The Warriors bested the Rockets in seven games and are now facing the Minnesota Timberwolves.