NBA Playoffs: New era incoming with Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry already out?

Anthony Edwards showcased his prowess at the Footprint Center, dropping an impressive 40 points in Minnesota’s Game 4 victory, just days after a 36-point performance in Game 3. The confident 22-year-old Timberwolves All-Star didn’t mince words as he expressed his feelings to the Phoenix Suns while making his way back to the visiting locker room, surrounded by a swarm of cameras.

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry faced disappointment as the Golden State Warriors failed to make the playoffs, losing to Sacramento in the 9-10 play-in game. Edwards further solidified his emergence by sweeping aside his basketball idol, Kevin Durant.

In another twist, Jamal Murray delivered a stunning game-winner, sending LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers packing in Denver’s Game 5 shocker—a feat not witnessed in nearly two decades. This season marked the first time since 2005 that Curry, James, or Durant failed to advance past the first round, while rising stars like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Edwards led their teams to the second round.

Jayson Tatum is on the verge of guiding the NBA-leading Celtics to the second round, with a commanding 3-1 lead over the eighth-seeded Heat. Luka Doncic has also shown his mettle, leveling the series at 2-2 against the Clippers.

However, not all veterans are seeing postseason success. Joel Embiid and the 76ers find themselves trailing 3-2 to the Knicks, despite a stellar performance by Embiid’s co-star, Tyrese Maxey, who dropped 46 points in Tuesday’s overtime thriller.

While Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence due to injury is notable, the common thread among these players is their age—30 or under. In contrast, Curry, James, and Durant are approaching the twilight of their careers, currently playing for teams that are not considered championship contenders.

The financial constraints and roster limitations faced by teams like the Suns and Warriors, coupled with the advancing age of their star players, underscore the shifting landscape of the NBA. Despite their undeniable talent, the trio of Curry, James, and Durant face challenges both on and off the court as they navigate the latter stages of their careers.