Warriors' Stephen Curry Exits Game 1 with Hamstring Strain in Victory Over Timberwolves

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry left Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a left hamstring strain, impacting the team's 99-88 win at the Target Center. Curry scored 13 points in 13 minutes before exiting in the second quarter. The Warriors led 44-31 at halftime and may continue the series without Curry, who is day-to-day pending an MRI on Wednesday. Coach Steve Kerr is preparing for Curry's potential absence in Game 2 on Thursday, emphasizing the need for offensive adjustments without their star player.

Curry’s Injury Halts Promising Start

Curry’s night began with promise. The 37-year-old guard, fresh off a grueling seven-game series against the Houston Rockets, came out aggressive, scoring 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including three made three-pointers. His final basket, a 13-foot floater with 8:20 remaining in the second quarter, gave Golden State a 27-20 lead. But immediately after the shot, Curry grabbed at the back of his left leg and signaled to the bench.

Though he remained on the court for another possession, Curry’s discomfort was evident. He called for a substitution and limped to the locker room at the next dead ball. The team officially ruled him out later in the second quarter with a left hamstring strain. He was later seen walking with a noticeable limp.

Warriors Respond Without Their Leader

Despite the emotional blow of losing their leader, the Warriors maintained composure. Head coach Steve Kerr leaned on the team’s depth, adjusting the rotation and inserting Jonathan Kuminga into the closing lineup for the first half. Draymond Green stepped up offensively, scoring 16 of his 18 points in the first half, including four three-pointers. Golden State’s defense also held firm, limiting Minnesota to just 31 first-half points and 0-of-15 shooting from beyond the arc.

At halftime, the Warriors held a 44-31 lead, a cushion they would protect throughout the second half. Buddy Hield led the team with 24 points, while Jimmy Butler added 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. The Warriors shot 42.9% from three-point range (18-of-42), compared to just 17.2% (5-of-29) for the Timberwolves.

Kerr: “We’re Definitely Game-Planning for Him to Not Be Available”

Following the game, Kerr confirmed that Curry would undergo an MRI on Wednesday and is officially listed as day-to-day. However, the coach acknowledged the likelihood of Curry missing Game 2 on Thursday.

“We’re definitely game-planning for him to not be available Thursday,” Kerr said. “We don’t know yet for sure… but we have to talk about finding offense without Steph.”

Curry’s absence would be a significant challenge for Golden State. He averaged 24 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the first-round series against Houston and played 46 minutes in the decisive Game 7 just two nights before Game 1 in Minnesota. The quick turnaround and physical toll of the previous series left little recovery time for the veteran guard.

A Familiar but Unwelcome Scenario

This is not the first time Curry’s postseason has been interrupted by injury. In 2016, he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during the first round against Houston, missing multiple games. While he returned to help the Warriors reach the NBA Finals, the injury lingered and became a defining storyline of that postseason.

Now, nearly a decade later, the Warriors find themselves in a similar situation, but with a 37-year-old Curry and a roster that no longer includes Kevin Durant or a prime Klay Thompson. The team’s ability to adapt without its most dynamic offensive weapon will be tested immediately.

Warriors Take 1-0 Series Lead

Despite the adversity, the Warriors secured a critical road win to open the series. Their defense held Minnesota to 39.5% shooting from the field and just five made threes. Anthony Edwards, who scored only one point in the first half, finished with 23 to lead the Timberwolves, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Golden State’s balanced attack.

The Warriors improved to 21-1 in playoff series after winning Game 1 under Steve Kerr, a stat that underscores the importance of Tuesday’s victory. However, the looming uncertainty around Curry’s health tempers any early celebration.

What’s Next

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday, again in Minnesota, with only one day of rest in between. The Warriors are bracing for the possibility of playing without Curry, and Kerr will likely continue to rely on a deeper rotation and increased offensive contributions from Butler, Hield, and Green.

Curry’s MRI results will determine the next steps, but for now, Golden State must prepare to navigate the Western Conference semifinals without the player who has defined their dynasty.

References

• Curry injures hamstring; Game 2 status in doubt
• NBA playoffs: Warriors hang on to beat Timberwolves in Game 1 after losing Stephen Curry to hamstring injury
• Stephen Curry leaves Warriors’ opener with strained hamstring, putting series in question | NBA.com
• How the Warriors defeated the Timberwolves in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series despite Steph Curry injury
• Steph Curry leaves Game 1 vs. Timberwolves with hamstring strain
• Curry leaves Warriors' win vs. Wolves with hamstring strain, putting rest of series in question