Warriors Rally Without Curry to Beat Timberwolves in Game 1

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Stephen Curry exited early with a hamstring strain, but the Golden State Warriors found a way to prevail without their star in Game 1 of the second-round series.

Curry left midway through the second quarter after sinking a mid-range jumper and clutching the back of his left leg. He was ruled out shortly after, spending the second half with ice on his leg in the locker room.

Despite his absence, the Warriors pulled off a 99–88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, powered by strong performances from Buddy Hield, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.

Hield stayed hot following his Game 7 heroics in Houston, scoring 24 points on 5-of-8 shooting from three. Green contributed 18 points, including four 3-pointers in the first half, while Butler flirted with a triple-double, tallying 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Golden State’s defense was key, holding the Timberwolves to just 5-of-29 from deep. Minnesota missed its first 16 three-point attempts before Naz Reid finally connected in the third quarter. The Warriors led by as much as 23.

Anthony Edwards led the Wolves with 23 points and 14 boards, but struggled from the field, shooting 9-of-22. Reid added 19 points and Julius Randle scored 16, but Minnesota’s offense sputtered after nearly a week off.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr deployed a zone defense that further disrupted the Timberwolves, who shot just 7-of-47 from deep in their previous game against the Lakers.

Golden State now leads the series 1–0. Game 2 is Thursday, but Curry’s status remains uncertain.