Warriors Lose Curry but Stay Calm: Draymond Green Explains Why the Team ‘Won’t Panic’ Against the Timberwolves

The Golden State Warriors were dealt a serious blow when Stephen Curry, their star point guard and two-time NBA MVP, exited Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. Despite his early exit, the Warriors managed to pull off a 99–88 win on Tuesday night. However, with Curry now ruled out for at least one week, missing possibly up to three crucial games, many have wondered how Golden State will cope.

Draymond Green, the vocal leader and defensive anchor of the Warriors, isn’t pushing the panic button. In fact, he’s staying unusually calm—and he’s confident that the team can not only survive, but thrive without Curry in the immediate future.

Draymond Green: “We Won’t Panic” Without Steph Curry

Following the gritty Game 1 win in Minneapolis, Draymond Green addressed reporters with a message of composure and confidence. Despite the absence of their offensive engine in Curry, Green made it clear that the team has the tools, mindset, and personnel to continue their playoff push.

“We know what Jimmy is capable of,” Green said, referencing Jimmy Butler, who joined the Warriors in a mid-season trade. “Jimmy has the ability to carry a team. He’s done it before—he’s taken a team to the Finals, not once, but twice. We’re not going to panic. We’ll figure out what this means for us.”

Green’s remarks reflect a deeper belief within the Warriors locker room: that their collective experience, tactical depth, and remaining star power can compensate for the absence of their floor general.

The Jimmy Butler Factor: Veteran Leadership and Playoff Experience

It’s not often that the Golden State Warriors lean on a player outside their championship core of Curry, Thompson, and Green, but this postseason is different. With Curry sidelined, Jimmy Butler becomes the focal point on offense—and Draymond Green made it clear the team believes in his leadership.

“Jimmy’s been to the top,” Green said. “He knows what it takes to lead a team through the fire. He’s done it in Miami, and now he’s doing it here. He’s tough, clutch, and knows how to control the pace.”

Indeed, Butler’s postseason track record is as impressive as they come. He led the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023, and has earned a reputation as one of the game’s most unshakeable playoff performers. His arrival in Golden State gave the team not only an insurance policy for scenarios like this but also a proven closer.

In Game 1, Butler posted 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists, stepping up immediately in Curry’s absence and delivering several timely buckets in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Golden State’s Coaching Confidence: Kerr and Staff Ready to Adjust

One of the reasons Draymond Green remains so composed is his trust in the Warriors’ coaching staff. Under head coach Steve Kerr, Golden State has always adapted to adversity—be it injuries, roster turnover, or tactical challenges.

“We’ve got the best coaching staff in the league,” Green stated. “They’ll put us in a position to win. They’ll show us what our offense looks like without Steph, and we’ll adjust.”

Kerr and his assistants are no strangers to crafting effective offensive schemes in Curry’s absence. During past injuries—including the 2018 playoffs—the Warriors successfully retooled their offense around Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and others. This time, they’ll likely design a system that features Jimmy Butler in pick-and-roll situations, increased touches for Andrew Wiggins, and a more structured offense orchestrated by Chris Paul.

Depth and Trust: Why the Warriors Believe in Their Roster

Beyond stars like Butler and Green, the Warriors’ depth will be put to the test over the next few games. Green emphasized that the team fully believes in the supporting cast and trusts everyone to rise to the occasion.

“We trust every guy in this locker room,” he said. “We’ve got dudes who can make plays, who can hit shots, who know their roles. We know we’ve got a guy who can hit the first big shot—and that’s Jimmy. We’re going to be fine.”

Expect more minutes and responsibilities for players like:

• Klay Thompson – needing to find his shooting groove early.

• Jordan Poole – expected to bring offensive energy off the bench.

• Chris Paul – who will likely handle playmaking duties.

• Jonathan Kuminga – a rising star who brings physicality and athleticism.

Timberwolves Threat: Can Minnesota Take Advantage of Curry’s Absence?

While the Warriors are focusing on adapting, the Minnesota Timberwolves see an opportunity. With Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and Rudy Gobert, the Wolves have the physical tools and firepower to challenge Golden State.

In Game 1, despite the loss, the Timberwolves kept the game tight through three quarters. Expect them to ramp up defensive pressure on Butler and Thompson, and crash the boards aggressively to control tempo.

Game 2, still in Minneapolis, becomes even more critical. If Minnesota can level the series at 1–1, they’ll head to San Francisco with confidence and momentum, especially knowing Curry’s return isn’t guaranteed until at least Game 5.

What’s Next: Warriors Must Weather the Storm Until Curry Returns

With Stephen Curry out for at least a week, the Warriors will need to hold steady through Games 2, 3, and possibly 4. The earliest expected return for Curry is Game 5, scheduled for May 15 in Minneapolis.

Golden State’s focus now turns to execution, defense, and veteran leadership—all areas where the Warriors have historically excelled. If Jimmy Butler can continue to deliver, and if Draymond Green’s confidence spreads through the roster, the Warriors could very well maintain their championship aspirations.

But it won’t be easy. Every possession will matter. Every coaching adjustment will be magnified. And every player—not just the stars—will need to step up.