In a shocking turn of events during the opening game of the Western Conference semifinals, the Golden State Warriors faced a significant setback as superstar Stephen Curry exited the court due to a left hamstring strain. This unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, just as the Warriors were establishing a commanding lead.
Curry, who had been performing well, scored 13 points in just under 13 minutes, shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. His contributions helped the Warriors to a 30-20 lead before he was forced to leave the game with 8 minutes and 19 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
During a defensive play, Curry scored on a 13-foot floater but immediately grabbed at his left leg, signaling to the bench that he needed to come out. He remained on the court for a brief moment before the play was halted, and he walked straight to the locker room. The Warriors later confirmed that he would not return for the remainder of the game.
The team managed to maintain their lead, finishing the first half at 44-31, despite the absence of their star player. Coach Steve Kerr opted to replace Curry with Brandin Podziemski, while Gary Payton II and Moses Moody are also expected to fill in as necessary, should Curry miss additional games.
"Steph Curry limps to the locker room in the second quarter. Looks like a left hamstring issue," noted Dalton Johnson from NBC Sports Bay Area on social media. Meanwhile, Anthony Slater from The Athletic remarked, "Steph Curry grabbing at his left hamstring and asking out of the game. Potential trouble for the Warriors."
As the Warriors look ahead to the rest of the series, concerns loom over Curry's health. He has a history of injuries this season, including a troublesome right thumb that has forced him to play with a bandage. If Curry's hamstring strain proves severe, it could significantly impact the Warriors' playoff aspirations.
In the previous playoff round, the Warriors advanced past the Houston Rockets in a thrilling seven-game series, where Curry averaged 24 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. His leadership on the court has been instrumental in guiding the Warriors through the playoffs, and any prolonged absence could be devastating.
"This is a developing story. Please stay tuned with us for the latest updates," said the Warriors' public relations team as they prepared to assess Curry's condition further. He is expected to undergo detailed examinations to determine the severity of the injury.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves also faced injury concerns, with Naz Reid leaving the game due to a potential thigh injury but managing to return in the third quarter. This matchup has been highly anticipated, and both teams are vying for a crucial win in the playoff series.
As the Warriors prepare for their next game against the Timberwolves, scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Minneapolis, fans are left to wonder about Curry's status. His absence could change the dynamics of the series significantly, and the team will need to rally together in his potential absence.
With Curry's impressive track record, including four NBA championships and two MVP awards, the Warriors will be hoping for a swift recovery. His career averages of 24.7 points, 6.4 assists, and over 4,000 three-pointers highlight his value to the team.
The Golden State Warriors have been through a rollercoaster season, and this latest injury only adds to the tension as they navigate the playoffs. As they look to secure their spot in the next round, the focus will be on how they adapt to the challenges ahead without their star player.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Warriors respond to this adversity. Will they be able to maintain their momentum and push through the playoffs without Curry? The upcoming games will be crucial in determining the outcome of their playoff run.
