Stephen Curry Exits Game 1 with Injury, Doubtful for Game 2
The Golden State Warriors opened their Western Conference semifinal series with a 99-88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Golden State Warriors's victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves was quickly overshadowed by the sight of Stephen Curry limping off the court in the second quarter. The two-time MVP’s left hamstring strain has left the Warriors and their fans anxiously awaiting updates, with his status for Game 2 now in serious doubt.
Curry looked sharp in the early going, scoring 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting and knocking down three triples in just 13 minutes. The momentum shifted abruptly when Curry pulled up after a driving layup, immediately clutching the back of his left leg.
He signaled to the bench and was quickly subbed out, heading straight to the locker room with a noticeable limp. The Warriors ruled him out for the remainder of the contest, and he did not return to the bench.
Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed after the game that Curry will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the strain. While the team labeled his status as “day-to-day,” Kerr admitted that a quick return is unlikely, casting doubt on Curry’s availability for Thursday’s pivotal Game 2 in Minneapolis.
Warriors Rally Without Their Leader
Despite losing their star, Golden State found a way to close out Game 1. Buddy Hield stepped up with 24 points, including six three-pointers, while Draymond Green anchored the defense and contributed 12 rebounds. The Warriors used a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach, stifling a Timberwolves squad that had closed the gap to single digits late in the third.
The win gives the Warriors a crucial 1-0 series lead, but the mood in the locker room was subdued. Curry’s absence looms large for a team that has relied on his scoring, playmaking, and leadership throughout the season and their first-round triumph over Houston. In that series, Curry averaged 24 points, nearly six rebounds, and almost six assists per game, once again proving his value as the franchise cornerstone.
Timberwolves Eye Opportunity
Minnesota, meanwhile, will look to capitalize if Curry is sidelined for Game 2. Jalen Green led the Timberwolves with 22 points, but the team struggled to generate consistent offense against Warriors’ defense, especially in the closing minutes.
With the series shifting to Minneapolis, the Timberwolves see a chance to even the series if the Warriors are forced to play without their superstar.
As the Warriors await the results of Curry’s MRI, the focus shifts to how the team will adapt. Kerr will likely lean more on Buddy Hield’s shooting and Draymond Green’s all-around game, while hoping for increased contributions from the bench.
Game 2 is set for Thursday night, May 8, in Minneapolis. Until then, the Warriors and their fans can do little but wait and hope for positive news on the health of their most important player.