Why Warriors should shut down Stephen Curry if they lose Game 4

The Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors are in a must-win situation in Game 4 on Monday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves have a chance to go up 3-1 to firmly control the series. If Minnesota wins Game 4, should the Warriors even bring back Curry this series? 

The four-time NBA champion suffered a hamstring injury during Game 2 of the series. Multiple reports have conveyed that the two-time league MVP would be evaluated in a week, and his return date is not certain at this time. 

The Warriors lost Game 3 at home Saturday night, but were competitive to the very end. Jimmy Butler contributed 33 points and Jonathan Kuminga tallied 30 points off the bench. Golden State was within four points with just under 3 minutes remaining in the game. It is fair to wonder if Curry was healthy; perhaps the Warriors could've won the game down the stretch. 

Nonetheless, Anthony Edwards garnered a game-high 36 points and hit the game-sealing three-point shot to effectively wrap up the game late in the fourth quarter. 

As a critical Game 4 approaches in San Francisco, Golden State's season is on the line without question. 

The Warriors, by any means, should not rush Curry into returning from injury. Curry was seen practicing on the court shortly before Game 3 tipped off. It was reported that all Curry did was participate in shooting drills and ride the stationary bike. 

Curry, 37, has not suffered a hamstring injury at any point during his 16-year legendary career. The Warriors guard is an aging superstar who is closer to the end rather than the beginning of his career, which means he has only a few more solid years left in him. 

If the Warriors want to maximize the twilight years of Curry's career and hopefully contend for a championship, his health should be their No. 1 priority. 

If the Warriors lose on Monday night and go down 3-1, Golden State should shut down Curry and gear up for next season. What good would it do to bring back Curry fresh off an injury in hopes of overcoming a 3-1 deficit? If Butler and company can somehow claw their way to a win in Game 4, perhaps Curry can return for a Game 6 or 7 if needed.

In fact, 95.6 percent of teams that are down 1-3 lose the series. Since Curry is absent, it is time for Butler, Kuminga, and Draymond Green to help prevent that scenario from becoming a reality.