The Golden State Warriors kicked off their second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a statement win, taking Game 1 with a 99-88 triumph at Chase Center. However, the victory was overshadowed by an injury to star guard Stephen Curry, who exited the game in the second quarter with a left hamstring strain.
Curry's injury occurred at the 8:19 mark of the second quarter, leaving the home crowd in shock as he clutched his hamstring and made his way to the locker room. Before his departure, Curry had contributed 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, helping the Warriors establish a 10-point lead.
Head coach Steve Kerr provided an update following the game, revealing that Curry is listed as day-to-day and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. "I talked to him at halftime. He's obviously crushed, but the guys picked him up and played a great game," Kerr said, expressing concern for his star player. "Obviously, we're all concerned about Steph, but it's part of the game. Guys get hurt, you move on."
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Curry's status, the Warriors showcased their resilience and depth. Draymond Green stepped up, scoring 18 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out six assists. Buddy Hield led all scorers with 24 points, including a clutch three-pointer that put the game out of reach for the Timberwolves. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler contributed significantly to the win, nearly achieving a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.
As the team prepares for Game 2, scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Minneapolis, Kerr's tone suggested a cautious approach. "We're definitely game planning for him not to be available on Thursday, but we don't know yet. With a hamstring, it's hard to imagine that he would play Thursday," he stated. The Warriors will have to adapt without their leader, whose influence on the court is undeniable.
The Warriors' victory in Game 1 marked a crucial step in their quest for a championship, especially considering their previous playoff performance. Curry had been instrumental in the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, averaging 24 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists over seven games. His absence in the upcoming match could significantly impact the team's dynamics, particularly in terms of floor spacing and leadership.
As the Warriors move forward, all eyes will be on the results of Curry's MRI, with fans and analysts alike hoping for positive news. The team's ability to secure a win without their star player speaks volumes about their depth and determination, but the looming question of Curry's availability casts a shadow over their playoff aspirations.
In the meantime, the Timberwolves will be looking to capitalize on the potential absence of Curry in Game 2. With tip-off set for 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT, viewers can catch the action on TNT and TruTV. As the series unfolds, the Warriors must rally together and prove that they can compete at a high level, even without their leading scorer.
The stakes are high as both teams vie for a pivotal win in this playoff matchup. The Warriors, having secured home-court advantage with their Game 1 victory, now face the challenge of maintaining momentum amidst the uncertainty surrounding Curry's health. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the absence of their star player prove too costly? Only time will tell as the series progresses.
For now, the focus remains on the MRI results and the Warriors' preparation for Game 2. With a strong supporting cast and a resilient mindset, the team is determined to push through this challenge. As they aim for their first NBA championship since 2022, every game becomes crucial in their journey towards glory.
