As the Golden State Warriors navigate the Western Conference Semi-Finals without their star player Stephen Curry, the stakes have never been higher. With the series tied 1-1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Warriors face a challenging road ahead, especially after losing decisively in Game 2.
Stephen Curry, the franchise's cornerstone and one of the NBA's most electrifying players, suffered a hamstring injury during Game 1 of the series. This injury has forced him to sit out crucial games, leaving the Warriors scrambling to fill the void. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Curry is expected to be sidelined for at least a week, with the earliest possible return slated for Game 6. "Steph Curry has really been limited to just doing treatment and he's gonna be reevaluated on Wednesday," Charania said. "My understanding is that he could be back for Game 6 at the earliest."
The Warriors' situation became even more precarious during Game 2, where they were overwhelmed by the Timberwolves, suffering a 117-93 defeat at Target Center. The loss highlighted the team's struggles without Curry, who has been a pivotal force in their success. Warriors forward Jimmy Butler acknowledged the impact of Curry's absence, stating, "We all miss Steph."
In Game 1, despite Curry's injury, the Warriors managed to secure a win, defeating the Timberwolves 99-88. However, the victory came with its own set of challenges. Curry was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain, and his recovery has proven to be a slow process. He admitted to reporters, "No, and from all that I’m learning about how quickly you can get back, there has to be a healing process. You can’t accelerate." This was the first hamstring injury of Curry's career, adding to the complexity of his recovery.
During Game 1, Curry's injury occurred with 8:48 remaining in the second quarter. After signaling to be substituted out, he exited the game with 13 points in just 13 minutes of play. Despite his absence, the Warriors were able to rally behind key performances from Draymond Green, who scored 18 points, and Buddy Hield, who contributed 24 points, helping to secure the victory.
However, the tide turned in Game 2 as the Warriors struggled to find their rhythm. They missed their first eight shots, failing to score until almost five minutes had elapsed in the game. The first quarter was particularly dismal, with the Warriors managing only 15 points, their lowest first-quarter output in a playoff game since the 2016 NBA Finals. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, seized the opportunity and dominated from the start, scoring the first 13 points of the game.
Golden State's offensive woes were compounded by their inability to take care of the ball, committing 17 turnovers throughout the game. Coach Steve Kerr remarked, "We have to figure out what we’re going to do in this series without Steph," indicating the team's need to adjust their strategy in light of Curry's absence.
In an effort to adapt, Kerr experimented with his lineup, giving rookie Quinten Post a starting role to bolster the frontcourt. However, the changes did little to spark the Warriors’ offense, which shot just 28.1 percent from beyond the arc, hitting only 9 of 32 three-point attempts. Butler finished the game with 17 points, but he struggled to assert himself as the primary scoring option.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves found their footing with strong performances from their key players. Julius Randle led the way with a game-high 24 points, while Anthony Edwards added 20 points, despite battling a sprained ankle. The Timberwolves' depth was evident, with five players scoring in double figures. Edwards’ resilience was noted by teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who praised his ability to push through injury, stating, "He’s not going to sit out. He’s got to be damn near dead."
The atmosphere at the Target Center was electric, with fans rallying behind their team, chanting "Wolves in five!" as the game progressed. The Timberwolves’ victory not only tied the series but also shifted the momentum in their favor as the teams head back to San Francisco for Game 3.
As the Warriors prepare for Game 3 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, they face an uphill battle. With Curry sidelined, the pressure mounts on Butler and the rest of the roster to step up their game. Butler emphasized the need for a collective effort to replace Curry's scoring, stating, "It’s difficult to re-create or even get close to what [Curry] does. We’re going to have to find a way."
In addition to the offensive adjustments, the Warriors will need to address the emotional and psychological aspects of playing without their leader. Draymond Green, who has been known for his fiery competitiveness, faced scrutiny after receiving a technical foul in Game 2. Following the game, he expressed his frustration with the perception surrounding him, saying, "The agenda to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous."
As the series progresses, the Warriors must navigate these challenges while hoping for a swift recovery for Curry. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, the coming games will test the resilience and depth of this Golden State squad. Will they find a way to keep their championship hopes alive in Curry's absence? Only time will tell.