Warriors Prepare for Playoff Challenge Without Curry
MINNEAPOLIS — The Golden State Warriors face a tough road ahead as they will play at least the next three games of their playoff series against Minnesota without star guard Stephen Curry. An MRI revealed that Curry has a mild strain of his left hamstring, which occurred during the first game on Tuesday.
Curry, who had contributed 13 points in just 13 minutes before his injury, will sit out for at least a week. His absence is a significant blow, yet the Warriors secured a victory in Game 1, winning 99-88 and gaining home-court advantage against the Timberwolves.
Coach Steve Kerr emphasized the need for adaptability in the playoffs. “Every year the playoffs are about adjusting, whether it’s due to injuries or game plans,” Kerr noted. “We’ve navigated these waters before, and we believe we can do it again.”
The next match is set for Thursday in Minneapolis, followed by Games 3 and 4 in San Francisco. The earliest Curry may return is for Game 5 on May 14, which offers the potential for several days of rest afterwards.
In his career, Curry has not faced a major hamstring injury, adding uncertainty around how long he will be sidelined. The Warriors will need to find a way to maintain their momentum without the all-time leading three-point shooter in NBA history.
Despite the challenge, Kerr expressed confidence in his team’s defense, which has been strong over recent months.
Looking back, Curry has missed crucial playoff games in previous years, particularly during the 2016 and 2018 playoffs. The Warriors managed to perform well in those instances, reaching the NBA Finals both times, although they lost in 2016 but swung back to sweep the Cavaliers in 2018.
This season’s roster isn’t quite the same as those championship teams, as key figures like Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were younger then, and they also had Kevin Durant in 2018.
Despite the absence of Curry, the Warriors are optimistic about players like Jimmy Butler stepping up. In Game 1, Butler showcased his talent with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Acquired from Miami just a few months ago, Butler is expected to play a significant role in leading the team’s efforts on offense.
Timberwolves guard Mike Conley acknowledged the Warriors’ depth, stating that with Curry out, the team presents multiple scoring threats. "Everyone is live," he pointed out, highlighting the need for strong defensive focus against their collective skills.
As the series continues, the Warriors remain determined to push through these tough times without their star player.
