MINNEAPOLIS – The Golden State Warriors face a daunting challenge as they head into Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves without their star player, Stephen Curry. Curry, who suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain just 13 minutes into the series opener, is sidelined for at least a week, leaving the Warriors to adapt quickly to life without their offensive linchpin.
Curry hobbled off the court at Target Center on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, grabbing at his left hamstring. An MRI exam the following day confirmed the injury, and the team announced he would be reevaluated in a week. This timeline suggests that Curry will miss the next three games of the best-of-seven series, possibly extending his absence if the series goes to a Game 5 on May 14.
For the Warriors, who have built their success around Curry’s incredible shooting and playmaking abilities, this injury poses a significant challenge. Coach Steve Kerr expressed the emotional toll of the situation, describing Curry’s mood at halftime as “absolutely crushed.” Draymond Green, a longtime teammate, echoed this sentiment, stating that seeing Curry injured was “a little deflating.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Warriors managed to secure a surprising 69-68 victory over the Timberwolves after Curry’s exit in Game 1, showcasing their resilience. Golden State led 30-20 when Curry left the game, and they managed to maintain their lead, largely thanks to their strong defensive performance.
In the absence of Curry, the scoring burden has shifted to other players, particularly Green, who is expected to step up in both offensive and defensive roles. In Game 1, Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield combined for 44 points, with Butler contributing 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Their performance will be crucial as the Warriors look to replicate their success without their primary scorer.
Golden State’s strategy will likely focus on defense, as they aim to stifle Minnesota’s offensive flow. The Timberwolves had a dismal shooting performance in the first half of Game 1, scoring only 31 points and missing all 15 of their three-point attempts. Their struggles from beyond the arc are a concern, as they are 4-0 when three-pointers account for around 40% or more of their total shots but have yet to win when that percentage dips below.
“We got beat at the possession game, and that had nothing to do with whether Steph was on the floor or not,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, emphasizing the need for his team to improve in various areas. Anthony Edwards, a key player for Minnesota, had a rough outing in Game 1, missing his first 10 shots. Finch and his team will need to regroup and come out stronger in Game 2.
As the series progresses, the Warriors will rely on their depth and adaptability. They have shown they can win without Curry, going 7-5 in games he missed during the regular season. Historically, Golden State has a solid postseason record when Curry is absent, boasting a 9-3 record in the 12 playoff games he has missed throughout his career.
“Playoffs every year are about adapting, whether it’s a game plan or an injury, a lineup,” Kerr stated, emphasizing the need for his team to adjust and find new ways to succeed. “We’ve done this before. It’s just up to us to adapt and figure it out.”
With Game 2 set for Thursday, May 8, the Warriors will look to build on their Game 1 success while navigating the challenges of playing without their leader. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will aim to capitalize on Curry’s absence and level the series before it shifts to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday, May 10, and Monday, May 12.
The outcome of Game 2 could set the tone for the rest of the series, making it a pivotal moment for both teams. The Warriors know they must dig deep and find ways to score while maintaining their defensive intensity, and the Timberwolves are eager to exploit the opportunity presented by Curry’s injury.
As the playoffs continue, all eyes will be on how both teams adjust to this unexpected turn of events. Will the Warriors prove their mettle without their superstar, or will the Timberwolves seize the moment and capitalize on their rival’s misfortune? The action is heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
