The Golden State Warriors secured a 99-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their Western Conference semi-finals series, despite losing star player Stephen Curry to injury. Curry was forced to leave the game in the second quarter due to a left hamstring strain, casting a shadow over what was otherwise a solid performance from the Warriors.
Buddy Hield played a pivotal role in the win, scoring 24 points and helping Golden State maintain control throughout the game. Jimmy Butler also contributed significantly, recording a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Draymond Green was another standout performer, finishing with 18 points and eight rebounds. The Warriors, coming off a tough seven-game series victory over the Houston Rockets in the first round, looked sharp, despite the injury to Curry.
The game took a turn when Curry left the court in the second quarter after sustaining a hamstring injury while driving for a layup. He appeared to favor his left leg as he signaled to the bench, leaving the court early. Before the injury, Curry had scored 13 points in just 13 minutes, shooting 5-for-9 from the field, including 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. His absence posed a challenge, but Golden State’s other players stepped up to ensure the team held onto the lead.
Minnesota, on the other hand, appeared sluggish, likely due to a five-day break between games. Despite this, they fought back in the second half. Anthony Edwards struggled early, missing his first 10 shots, but managed to finish with 23 points and 14 rebounds. His performance helped keep the Timberwolves in the game, though they could not fully overcome the Warriors’ early lead. Naz Reid provided a spark off the bench, contributing 19 points, and Julius Randle added 18 points, but the Timberwolves were unable to capitalize on Golden State’s vulnerabilities.
The Warriors had built a commanding 23-point lead during the game, but Minnesota mounted a late comeback, cutting the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter. A 13-2 run from the Timberwolves brought the score to 85-76 with just over six minutes left to play. However, Golden State responded quickly to quell the comeback. Hield hit a crucial three-pointer from the left quarter, extending the lead to 12 points. Butler followed with a driving jump shot, pushing the Warriors’ advantage to 90-76. From there, Golden State kept Minnesota at bay for the remainder of the game.
By the end of the third quarter, the Warriors were firmly in control, holding a 20-point lead at 80-60. Hield had been virtually quiet in the first half, contributing only two points, but he erupted in the third quarter, scoring 16 points, including a three-pointer that sparked a 10-0 run for Golden State. This surge effectively put the game out of reach for the Timberwolves, who had no answer for the Warriors’ shooting.
Golden State’s defense also played a key role, stifling Minnesota’s offense in the second quarter, limiting them to just 11 points. The Timberwolves’ inability to score consistently throughout the game, combined with Golden State’s timely scoring runs, ensured that the Warriors maintained control of the game.
The win was crucial for the Warriors as they look to advance in the postseason, but the injury to Curry remains a significant concern. His status for future games is uncertain, and his absence would undoubtedly affect Golden State’s chances of progressing further in the playoffs. The Warriors will need to rely on their depth and experience, as other players like Hield, Butler, and Green will need to step up in Curry’s potential absence.
