The Golden State Warriors received some serious news regarding their star player, Stephen Curry, who will be sidelined for at least a week due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The announcement was made by the team on Wednesday, indicating that Curry will miss at least through Game 4 of the Warriors' second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This crucial game is set to take place on Monday, May 12.
The exact timeline for Curry's return remains uncertain and will largely depend on his healing process and treatment. The injury occurred during the Warriors' Game 1 victory in Minnesota on Tuesday night. The playoff schedule for the Warriors and Timberwolves consists of games every other day for the first five matchups, but there will be a three-day break between Game 5 (scheduled for May 14) and Game 6 (set for May 18).
Curry's injury is a significant loss for the Warriors, who managed to secure a win in Game 1, even after his exit in the second quarter. Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed concern about Curry's availability for the upcoming game on Thursday, stating, "We're definitely game-planning for him to not be available on Thursday, but we don't know yet." Given the nature of hamstring injuries, it is difficult to foresee Curry's return for the next game.
Before his injury, Curry had an impressive start, scoring 13 points in just 13 minutes of play during Game 1, helping the Warriors to an 11-point victory. After successfully hitting a three-pointer, he appeared to sustain the injury while playing defense. Despite showing determination by making a push shot shortly afterward, he ultimately exited the game and headed to the locker room with a noticeable limp.
After the game, Kerr provided an update on Curry's emotional state, noting that he was "obviously crushed." However, he commended the team for their resilience and ability to adapt, stating, "The guys picked him up and played a great game." The Warriors, despite being up 1-0 in the series, are currently seen as underdogs (+176 to win the series at FanDuel) against the Timberwolves.
The Warriors are entering this playoff series after a grueling stretch, having played six games in just 11 days following a physically demanding seven-game series against the Houston Rockets. This intense schedule can take a toll, especially on an aging player like Curry, who is 37 years old.
As the series progresses, the Warriors will need to rely heavily on Jimmy Butler, who has proven to be a formidable player in the postseason. In Game 1, Butler delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. His experience and success in leading teams to the Finals—specifically with the Miami Heat in 2020 and 2023—will be crucial for the Warriors as they navigate this challenging time.
Draymond Green weighed in on Butler’s capabilities, stating, "Jimmy's capable of carrying a team. He carried a team to the Finals twice. We won't panic." Notably, the Warriors have shown a surprisingly strong playoff record without Curry, boasting a 9-3 record in his absence during previous playoff runs.
As the Golden State Warriors move forward without Stephen Curry, they will need to adapt and rely on their depth and resilience. The team’s ability to compete and perform under pressure will be tested as they seek to advance in the playoffs while hoping for Curry's swift recovery.
