As the Golden State Warriors gear up for a critical Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they face a daunting challenge: competing without their star player, Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain during Game 1, and according to ESPN's Shams Charania, he is expected to miss at least the next three games, including Games 3 and 4, with a potential return not likely until Game 6 at the earliest.
Curry's injury occurred in the second quarter of the Warriors' Game 1 victory, where he managed to score 13 points in just 13 minutes before signaling for a substitution. He remained on the court for 29 seconds after the injury, but ultimately had to exit the game. Despite his absence, the Warriors secured a 99-88 win, giving them a 1-0 series lead. However, they were unable to maintain that momentum in Game 2, suffering a heavy 117-93 defeat without their offensive centerpiece.
In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Charania provided an update on Curry's status, stating, “He’s really been limited to just doing treatment. He’s gonna be reevaluated on Wednesday, which means he’s definitely out Games 3 and 4, so he’s going to miss at least three games.” The Warriors confirmed that Curry will undergo a reevaluation on May 14, 2025, which coincides with the date of Game 5.
The Warriors will be hoping for a favorable outcome in their upcoming games, as they are faced with the possibility of advancing in the playoffs without Curry. The team has played 13 playoff games without him in his career, boasting a 9-4 record during those contests. However, the emotional toll of sitting out is heavier now for the 37-year-old guard, who expressed, “Sitting out now is much harder and more emotional than when I was younger.”
Curry's absence is particularly significant given his pivotal role in the Warriors' offense. He is averaging 22.6 points per game in the postseason and is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, leading the all-time three-pointer leaderboard by nearly 900 makes. The Warriors will need to rally as a team to fill the void left by Curry, which was evident in Game 2 when they struggled offensively, managing only 15 points in the first quarter.
Draymond Green, who has been a key player for Golden State, will need to step up in Curry's absence. In the last game, Green scored 18 points and contributed significantly on the defensive end. He is aware of the challenge ahead as the team prepares for Game 3 at home. “We have a lot of confidence that we can still win the series, and guys step up no matter how it looks,” Curry said, emphasizing the team's resilience.
Alongside Green, other players like Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield will need to elevate their performances. Butler, who was acquired from Miami at the trade deadline, nearly recorded a triple-double in the first game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Hield also made a notable contribution with 24 points and 8 rebounds in Game 2.
As the Warriors prepare for this crucial matchup against the Timberwolves, they will be looking to regain their footing in the series. The team is hoping to capitalize on their home-court advantage at the Chase Center, especially with the added challenge of facing the Timberwolves, who are now tied 1-1 in the series.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Curry's return, the Warriors are optimistic about their chances. The four-day gap between Games 5 and 6, if necessary, could provide additional time for Curry to heal and potentially return to the court. However, Curry himself has been cautious about setting a timeline for his recovery, stating, “You can’t accelerate it more than what it’s telling you. It’s just the way the body works.”
Curry's cautious approach stems from the fact that this is the first hamstring strain he has ever experienced, and he is determined to avoid rushing back into action. This injury has highlighted the importance of patience and care in the recovery process, especially given the unpredictable nature of hamstring injuries. Curry remarked, “I know how tricky hamstrings can be, where they can fool you and think that they’re healed, even if you don’t feel anything.”
The Warriors are determined to keep their playoff hopes alive while Curry focuses on his recovery. The team has shown resilience in the past, and they will need to draw upon that experience as they navigate this challenging moment. With the series shifting to San Francisco, the Warriors will be looking to secure a win and build momentum as they aim for a deep playoff run.
As the fans rally behind their team, the Warriors will need to channel their energy and support into a strong performance in Game 3. The stakes are high, and every game counts as they fight for a chance to advance in the playoffs. The absence of Curry is undoubtedly a setback, but the Warriors are ready to rise to the occasion and prove that they can compete at the highest level, even without their star player.
