Shock in Game 1: Stephen Curry Suffers Hamstring Injury, Warriors Plan Without Him

The Golden State Warriors may have secured a vital win in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the victory came at a significant cost. Stephen Curry, the heart and soul of the franchise, exited early due to a left hamstring injury, casting doubt over his availability for Game 2 and possibly beyond.

Golden State Stuns Minnesota, but Loses Their Star

Golden State’s 99–88 win in Minneapolis was a defensive masterpiece, silencing a Timberwolves offense that had looked explosive in the first round. The Warriors, riding momentum and discipline, outscored the Wolves in the first half, establishing a strong early lead that they never fully relinquished.

But the win was clouded by uncertainty surrounding their franchise cornerstone. Stephen Curry left the game with 8:19 remaining in the second quarter, showing visible signs of discomfort in his left hamstring. He made his way directly to the locker room and did not return to the court for the rest of the game.

The Warriors later confirmed that Curry is suffering from a left hamstring strain and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday. He has officially been listed as day-to-day, but head coach Steve Kerr admitted post-game that they are preparing as if Curry won’t be available for Game 2 on Thursday.

Steve Kerr Addresses Curry’s Status

“I spoke with him at halftime,” Kerr told reporters. “Obviously he was crushed, but the guys rallied around that and played a great game. We’re all concerned about Steph, of course, but this is part of the game. Guys go down, and you just keep moving forward.”

Kerr’s tone reflected a mixture of concern and pragmatism. While Curry’s absence would be a crushing blow to the Warriors’ title hopes, the team has weathered storms before — and they know how to adapt.

Still, Kerr didn’t mince words about the seriousness of the injury.

“We’re definitely planning for him to miss Thursday,” he said. “With hamstrings, it’s hard to imagine someone playing two days after the injury. We’ll see what the MRI tells us.”

What Happened on the Play?

Curry was visibly wincing and reaching for his hamstring several times before finally checking himself out of the game. His last play came shortly after a Draymond Green three-pointer, which forced Minnesota to call a timeout with the Warriors leading 30–20.

Despite his shortened night, Curry managed 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. His impact was immediate, especially in terms of tempo control and floor spacing.

But as the second quarter unfolded, Curry began limping noticeably. According to reports from Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the two-time MVP was limping “quite visibly” as he exited the arena and did not speak with reporters following the game. He intends to speak publicly after the MRI results are released.

Curry’s Value in the Playoffs

Curry’s presence in the postseason is immeasurable. In the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, he averaged 24.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across seven games. He remains the Warriors’ primary scoring threat, floor general, and emotional leader.

With him off the court, Golden State will need to rely more heavily on veterans like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins, as well as Jordan Poole and Moses Moody off the bench.

What Does Curry’s Injury Mean for Game 2?

With Curry likely to miss Game 2, the Warriors will face a significant uphill battle. The Timberwolves are one of the most physically dominant teams in the playoffs, anchored by Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt and electrified by Anthony Edwards on the perimeter.

Curry’s floor spacing and quick decision-making are crucial to neutralizing Minnesota’s length and athleticism. Without him, the Warriors’ offensive sets will slow down, and their margin for error will shrink considerably.

It will be up to Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole to pick up the scoring slack. Thompson, who had a quiet Game 1, will be expected to take on a larger shot volume and potentially handle more ball-handling duties. Poole, inconsistent at times, will need to maintain composure against a Timberwolves defense that thrives on forcing turnovers.

Hamstring Injuries and Recovery Time

Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, particularly for players like Curry who rely on constant movement, cuts, and bursts of acceleration. While a mild strain might keep a player out for only a few days, a more serious injury can sideline someone for one to three weeks, or longer if there’s a tear.

Given the tight schedule of the NBA playoffs, even missing two games could tilt the series dramatically. The Warriors will likely be cautious. Pushing Curry too soon could lead to a re-injury, which might sideline him for the remainder of the postseason.

The team and medical staff will likely wait for the MRI results on Wednesday before making a final call, but preparing without him is the safest route.

Warriors’ Depth Will Be Tested

The Warriors’ bench, once the source of dynasty-level strength, now finds itself under scrutiny. Chris Paul, out due to a hand injury, remains unavailable, leaving the backcourt rotations thin.

This places additional pressure on Gary Payton II for defensive responsibilities and on Moses Moody to make meaningful contributions offensively. Golden State could also look at Brandin Podziemski, the rookie guard, to eat up minutes if necessary.

In a broader sense, this is a test of the Warriors’ championship DNA. They’ve been here before — undermanned and underestimated — and have historically found ways to respond.

But Curry is not just another player. He’s the system. The gravity he commands on the floor can’t be duplicated.

What If Curry Misses the Entire Series?

Should Curry’s hamstring injury prove to be a multi-game or even series-long issue, the Warriors may have to recalibrate expectations.

Without him, Minnesota becomes the overwhelming favorite to take the series. Anthony Edwards has shown he can take over games, and the Timberwolves’ size gives them a distinct advantage over Golden State’s small-ball lineup.

Steve Kerr may respond by slowing the pace and leaning heavily on defense, something that worked well in Game 1. But doing so over an entire series — against a young, hungry Wolves team — may be too tall an order without their superstar.

Can Golden State Still Steal Game 2 Without Steph?

It’s not out of the question. The Warriors have a wealth of experience and enough shot-making to win in bursts. If they can contain Minnesota early and build a lead like they did in Game 1, they might just surprise the Wolves again.

But they will need near-perfect execution, a resurgent performance from Klay Thompson, and elite defense from Draymond Green.

Expect the Warriors to slow the game down, minimize turnovers, and force the Timberwolves into taking uncomfortable shots.

Looking Ahead: The Warriors’ Path Forward

While the immediate focus is on Game 2, the larger question for Golden State is how they manage Steph Curry’s health over the remainder of the postseason. If the MRI reveals a Grade 1 strain, there’s a good chance he could return within a week. But a Grade 2 strain might require extended rehab and cast serious doubt over the team’s playoff future.

In any case, the Warriors won’t rush their superstar. They know that the long-term risk isn’t worth the short-term gain — not with Curry at age 36 and still crucial to the team’s future.

The next 24 hours will be pivotal.