Kristina Roberts
The Golden State Warriors pulled off a surprising victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, winning 99-88. However, the celebration was overshadowed by worries about their star player, Stephen Curry, who left the game early due to a hamstring injury. The team now waits anxiously for the results of his MRI scan to determine how long he might be sidelined.
Curry was seen walking slowly out of the locker room after the game, dressed more for a relaxing day than a high-stakes playoff match. His left hamstring was clearly bothering him, and his absence could be a major setback for the Warriors. Despite this, the mood in the locker room remained surprisingly calm. There was no visible panic, even though the team knows how much they depend on Curry’s leadership and scoring.
The Warriors showed great focus and determination throughout the game, especially after Curry’s exit. They managed to outplay the Timberwolves, proving they can still compete even without their biggest star. Coach Steve Kerr praised his team’s ability to adapt, saying, “He’s obviously crushed. Obviously, we’re all concerned about Steph, but it’s part of the game. Guys get hurt, and you move on. Our guys did a great job of moving on.”
Curry’s injury happened in the second quarter after he made a floater, one of his signature moves. He finished the play but immediately grabbed his leg in discomfort. Though he tried to keep playing, it was clear something was wrong. He later told teammate Draymond Green, “I’ll be back,” as he walked off the court. The team has labeled him as “day-to-day,” but Kerr admitted they are preparing to play Game 2 without him.
This season’s playoffs have been tough on veteran players. LeBron James recently suffered an MCL sprain, and Damian Lillard tore his Achilles. Now, Curry’s injury adds to the list, raising questions about how far the Warriors can go without him. The timing is especially cruel since Curry had just led the team to a thrilling Game 7 win against the Houston Rockets just two days earlier.
The Warriors’ victory over the Timberwolves was a team effort. Jimmy Butler, known for stepping up in big moments, played strong defense against Minnesota’s key players, including Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards. Buddy Hield, who struggled early, found his rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 16 points and helping the Warriors pull away.
As the series continues, all eyes will be on Curry’s recovery. The Warriors have shown they can win without him for one game, but doing it for an entire series will be much harder. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for good news from the MRI, but until then, the Warriors must keep fighting with the players they have.
The next game will be a true test of Golden State’s depth and resilience. If they can keep up this level of play, they might just surprise everyone again. But one thing is certain—the Warriors’ playoff journey just got a lot more challenging without their leader on the floor.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, will look to bounce back in Game 2. They struggled offensively in the first game, and the Warriors’ defense made it difficult for them to find easy shots. If Minnesota wants to even the series, they’ll need their stars, like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, to step up and take advantage of Curry’s absence.
For now, the basketball world waits to see what happens next. Will Curry return soon, or will the Warriors have to find a way to win without him? One game has already shown that anything can happen in the playoffs, and this series is far from over.
