Stephen Curry's Injury Alters Golden State Warriors' Playoff Strategy in Western Conference Semifinals

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is sidelined with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain from Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He will miss at least the next three games, returning no earlier than Game 5 on May 14. The Warriors won Game 1, 99–88, but Curry's absence impacts their playoff strategy. Coach Steve Kerr is relying on veterans Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Buddy Hield to lead the team. The Warriors have a strong postseason record without Curry, but his absence presents both tactical and psychological challenges.

A Sudden Blow in Game 1

Curry’s injury occurred just 13 minutes into Game 1, after he had already scored 13 points and helped the Warriors build a 30–20 lead. An MRI the following day confirmed a mild hamstring strain, and the team announced he would be out for at least a week, missing Games 2, 3, and 4 of the series. The injury was a gut punch to the Warriors, who had just seized home-court advantage with the win in Minneapolis.

Coach Steve Kerr described Curry’s mood at halftime as “absolutely crushed,” a sentiment echoed by Draymond Green, who noted the emotional weight of losing not just a scorer, but the team’s spiritual engine. “It was a little deflating,” Green said. “He’s more than just his 40% three-point shooting. His gravity changes everything.”

The Irreplaceable “Petty King”

Curry, 37, has long been the Warriors’ heartbeat. Nicknamed the “Petty King” for his playful yet pointed on-court demeanor, Curry’s influence extends far beyond the box score. His presence forces defenses to stretch, creating space for teammates. His confidence, described by former GM Bob Myers as “authentically unshakable,” instills belief in those around him. “When you play with guys like that, you always believe you have a chance,” Myers said.

Curry’s playoff consistency has been remarkable—prior to this injury, he had appeared in 65 consecutive postseason games. His absence now forces the Warriors to adapt in a way they’ve rarely had to during their dynastic run.

A New Offensive Blueprint

With Curry out, Kerr has shifted the offensive load to Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield. In Game 1, the duo combined for 44 points, with Butler orchestrating the offense and Hield providing perimeter firepower. The Warriors’ offense, typically built around Curry’s off-ball movement and deep shooting, now runs more traditionally through Butler’s ball-handling and decision-making.

“Playoffs every year are about adapting,” Kerr said. “We’ve done this before, and we’re confident we can do this again.”

The Warriors’ defense, anchored by Green, remains elite. Kerr has emphasized that their recent success has been built on defensive intensity, and that will be their foundation in Curry’s absence. “We think we have the best defense in the league, and that’s been proven over the last couple of months,” he said.

Historical Context: Warriors Without Curry

Golden State’s record without Curry in the postseason is surprisingly strong. Since 2013, the Warriors are 9–3 in playoff games without him. In the 2016 and 2018 playoffs, they went a combined 9–3 during Curry’s absences and reached the Finals both years. However, those teams featured Kevin Durant and a younger core. This year’s squad, while still experienced, is older and more reliant on Curry’s leadership.

During the 2024–25 regular season, the Warriors went 7–5 in games Curry missed. Notably, only four of those wins came against playoff teams, and the team went 1–2 in games missed after Butler’s midseason arrival. This suggests that while the Warriors can tread water without Curry, their margin for error is slim.

The Psychological Void

Curry’s absence is not just tactical—it’s psychological. His presence on the court alters the emotional temperature of the game. Teammates feed off his energy, and opponents are forced to account for his every movement. “The game is much easier when we’ve got him,” Butler said. “He’s always got three people on him and he’s always making the right play.”

Curry’s ability to rise in clutch moments—like his 14-point fourth quarter in Game 7 against Houston—cannot be replicated. His absence removes a safety valve, a player who can single-handedly shift momentum with a single shot or sequence.

Adjustments and Rotational Shifts

In Curry’s absence, Kerr has turned to a deeper rotation. Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, and Pat Spencer are expected to see increased minutes. The team’s offensive identity has shifted from motion and spacing to a more deliberate, half-court style centered around Butler’s playmaking.

The Warriors’ Game 1 win provided a blueprint: defend relentlessly, control the tempo, and rely on veteran savvy. But sustaining that over multiple games without Curry is a tall order, especially against a young and athletic Timberwolves team led by Anthony Edwards.

Looking Ahead

Curry’s earliest possible return is Game 5 on May 14, eight days after the injury. That game, back in Minnesota, could be pivotal. The Warriors hope to “hold down the fort,” as Butler put it, until their leader returns. But hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, and the team is being cautious to avoid reinjury.

For now, the Warriors are leaning on experience, defense, and the hope that their “Petty King” will return in time to reclaim his throne.

Stephen Curry's Injury Alters Golden State Warriors' Playoff Strategy in Western Conference Semifinals

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