Context:

Stephen Curry's hamstring injury is a significant setback for the Golden State Warriors and a disappointment for basketball fans, as it echoes the recent struggles of LeBron James and Kevin Durant. The Warriors managed to win Game 1 of their conference semifinal series against the Timberwolves despite Curry's exit, but his absence threatens one of his final opportunities to secure another NBA championship. The decline of these iconic players marks the end of an era in basketball, with James already out of the playoffs and Durant not having qualified this year. Despite the emergence of new stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and others, the unique contributions of Curry, James, and Durant leave a void in the playoffs. The narrative hopes for a swift recovery for Curry to potentially deliver another memorable Game 7 moment, as the basketball world anticipates a future without these legends on the court.

Dive Deeper:

• Stephen Curry's injury is not only a setback for the Warriors but also a poignant moment for fans who have witnessed the decline of other basketball icons like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. His hamstring issue is expected to sideline him for a week or longer, casting doubt on his ability to continue their deep playoff run.

• Despite Curry's injury, the Warriors secured a win in Game 1 of their conference semifinal against the Timberwolves, demonstrating resilience but raising concerns about their prospects without their star player.

• The aging of Curry, James, and Durant signifies a nearing end to an era where they have been dominant figures in the NBA, with James already eliminated from the playoffs and Durant failing to qualify.

• While new talents such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic are stepping up, the absence of these seasoned players is felt profoundly, as they have redefined the game with their unique skills and contributions.

• The hope remains for Curry to recover in time to make a significant impact in the playoffs, with fans longing for one last show of brilliance from him, as the inevitable transition to the next generation of superstars continues.

• Stephen Curry's hamstring injury is certainly a bummer for the Golden State Warriors.

• More than that, though, it's simply sad for basketball fans everywhere, in a way that ties in LeBron James and Kevin Durant, too.

• First the facts: The Warriors won Game 1 of their conference semifinal series against the Timberwolves despite Curry's departure with a hamstring issue, which is expected to keep him out for a week-plus.

• Curry, alongside James and Durant, is one of the faces of the NBA. And now, one of his last chances to chase a ring and play deep into the NBA postseason is potentially fleeting.

• Some basketball fans may not like Curry, and there are certainly plenty who don't like the King or KD, but this is a monumental time in the game.

• You have to go back a long time to reach a point when James, Durant and Curry weren't three of the game's brightest shining stars.

• But they're aging, and their time is slowly coming to an end. Durant didn't make the playoffs. James is already knocked out. Now, Curry is hanging on by a hamstring.

• MORE: Draymond Green plays legacy game after Steph Curry injury

• In this era of player movement, maybe it's harder to appreciate the special basketball years we've been in.

• But this is some of the most talented, skilled, special hoops ever played.

• Curry has changed the game with his shooting. James has a case as the greatest ever. Durant might be the smoothest scorer ever to grace the court.

• There are stars that will be around after them, certainly. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama and so many more.

• But these all-time legends are, in many ways, in their own class. And ever quicker, their hourglass is emptying.

• Basketball fans deserved another deep postseason run by Curry (and maybe it'll still come if he heals up and the rest of Golden State plays well in the meantime).

• We won't get many more of these, the Curry personal runs with audacious shots that no one else in basketball would even attempt.

• We're running short on the LeBron brilliance and the Durant buckets, too.

• Hopefully the basketball gods are on our side and give us a key Curry moment in an upcoming Game 7.

• But in the meantime, basketball suffers without its modern superstars. The new generation has arrived, and they're amazing.

• There's something lost without Curry, James and Durant on playoff courts, though. And that soon may be the permanent reality, with all we can hope that it's not quite over yet.

• MORE: Breaking down Steph Curry's injury history