Warriors Triumph in Game 1 Despite Curry's Injury; Team Prepares for Upcoming Challenges

The Golden State Warriors secured a 99–88 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves despite losing Stephen Curry early in the second quarter to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. Curry had scored 13 points in 13 minutes before exiting, and the Warriors rallied behind standout performances from Buddy Hield (24 points, 5 threes), Jimmy Butler (20 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists), and Draymond Green (18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists), who also reached 1,000 career playoff assists. Golden State’s defensive strategy held Minnesota to 39.5% shooting and just 17.2% from beyond the arc, while limiting Anthony Edwards to a rough first half before he finished with 23 points. With Curry ruled out for at least Games 2 through 4 and a possible return in Game 5 on May 14, the Warriors will rely on depth, veteran leadership, and team cohesion to maintain momentum in the series.

Image credit to: USA Today

The Golden State Warriors started their Western Conference semi-finals with a 99-88 win, even though they lost star play; Stephen Curry after a hamstring related injury. Prior to leaving the game in the second quarter Curry scored 13 points in 13 minutes giving the Warriors a lead against the Timberwolves.

After Curry left the game, Buddy Hield led with 24 points, including 5 3-pointers. Jimmy Butler had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists and Draymond Green reached his 1,000 playoff assist and scored 18 points. Plus despite having a slow start to the game Anthony Edwards finished the game with 23 points. The Warriors disrupted the Timberwolves overall shooting efficiency leaving them with a 39.5% shooting percentage and just a 5 out of 29 beyond the arc (approximately 17.2% accuracy). This defense strategy was instrumental in scoring their 99-88 win without Curry.

Before Curry left the game delivered an amazing performance with 13 points in 13 minutes, but early on in the second quarter Curry gestures to his hamstring communicating discomfort. Curry continued to play even making a midrange jumper and grabbed a rebound then he signaled the bench and was seen limping to the locker room. Earlier today around 2pm the Warriors released a statement saying that an MRI completed this morning confirmed that Curry has a grade 1 hamstring strain. This marks the first muscle strain in his NBA career, but not his first playoff injury; one also occurred in his 2016 and 2018 seasons. The Warriors now face the challenge of competing in their back to back playoff games without Curry, with an expected return around game 5 on May 14th depending on his recovery process. Curry will be reevaluated next week to determine the progress of his recovery.

During game 1 the Warriors demonstrated their resilience, Buddy Hield led in scoring with 24 points, shooting 5 for 8 from 3 point range. Demonstrating his versatility by stepping up after Curry left the game. Jimmy Butler just narrowly missed a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. His leadership role during this game was crucial in maintaining the teams offensive flow and defensive intensity throughout the game. Draymond Green contributed 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. He also reached a big milestone by becoming the 15th player in NBA history to achieve 1,000 playoff assists, joining notable players such as Lebron James and Chris Paul. To make up for the loss of Curry, head coach Steve Kerr utilized a heavy rotation playing 13 different players throughout the game. This strategy helped the team maintain energy and stamina. The collective efforts of Hield, Butler, and Green, combined with Kerr's strategic rotations, were instrumental in the Warriors' Game 1 victory, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the series.

The Golden State Warriors' defense was pivotal in their 99–88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves held a 39.5% shooting percentage and a 5 for 29 from 3 point range. Minnesota missed 15 of their 3 point attempts in the first half, resulting in a franchise low 31 points by halftime. Anthony Edwards, the leading scorer for the Timberwolves, missed his first 10 shots and ended the first half with only 1 scored point. He finished the game with 9 for 23 shots, 14 rebounds, and 23 points scored. The Warriors defence strategy forced difficult shots and limited second chance opportunities.

With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain sustained in Game 1, the Golden State Warriors are navigating a critical juncture in their Western Conference semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The injury, confirmed by an MRI, is expected to keep Curry out for at least one week, ruling him out for Games 2, 3, and 4.His earliest potential return is Game 5, scheduled for May 14.

The series schedule is as follows:

Game 2: Thursday, May 8, at Minnesota – 8:30 p.m. ET (TNT)

Game 3: Saturday, May 10, at Golden State – 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)

Game 4: Monday, May 12, at Golden State – 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Game 5: Wednesday, May 14, at Minnesota – Time/TV TBD

Game 6: Sunday, May 18, at Golden State – Time/TV TBD

Game 7: Tuesday, May 20, at Minnesota – 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The Warriors' ability to adapt without their star point guard will be pivotal. In Game 1, despite Curry's early exit, the team secured a 99–88 victory, showcasing their depth and resilience. Key contributions came from Jimmy Butler, who recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Buddy Hield, who led the team with 24 points, including five three-pointers . Draymond Green also added 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

As the series progresses, the Warriors will rely on their veteran leadership and team cohesion to maintain momentum until Curry's anticipated return.

Written By Addison Darlak