The Golden State Warriors’ second-round series opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves had all the drama of a playoff thriller. But while Golden State walked away with a commanding 99-88 win, fans left the Chase Center with their hearts in their throats.
Stephen Curry, the team’s engine and emotional leader, exited early with a hamstring injury. And while his teammates picked up the slack, head coach Steve Kerr shared a gut-wrenching update that left no doubt—this one stung. Big time.
Steve Kerr Offers Sobering Update on Stephen Curry
After the Warriors’ win in Game 1, head coach Steve Kerr addressed the elephant in the room: Steph Curry’s health. The two-time MVP left in the second quarter, grabbing at his left hamstring, and didn’t return. Kerr confirmed that Curry is currently day-to-day and will undergo an MRI.
“Just day-to-day. We’ll get an MRI tomorrow,” Kerr said postgame. “Talked to him at halftime, he’s obviously crushed, but the guys picked him up and played a great game.”
It’s clear Curry was emotionally shaken. He had helped Golden State build a 10-point lead with 13 points in just 13 minutes before the injury. Losing him that early was a gut punch.
“Obviously, we’re all concerned about Steph. But it’s part of the game. Guys get hurt, you move on,” Kerr added. “Our guys did a good job at moving on, getting a great win.”
Still, Kerr didn’t sugarcoat what’s ahead.
“We’re definitely game planning for him not to be available on Thursday,” he admitted. “We don’t know yet. But with a hamstring, it’s hard to imagine he’d play Thursday.”
That’s a major blow. Curry averaged 24 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the first round. His presence is crucial, not just for scoring, but for spacing, energy, and leadership.
Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green Fill Curry’s Void
With Curry out, the rest of the Warriors’ squad stepped up big time. Draymond Green came out firing, putting up 16 points by halftime and finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. His early energy lit a fire that kept the Warriors in control.
But the closer’s role belonged to Buddy Hield. The sharpshooter poured in a game-high 24 points and knocked down a cold-blooded corner three just as the Timberwolves were clawing back. It was a momentum-killing shot that sealed the deal.
READ: What Happened to Stephen Curry? Warriors Star’s Injury Update After Untimely Exit vs. Wolves
Then there was Jimmy Butler. He stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. His playmaking was a steadying force in Curry’s absence, drawing defenders and dishing dimes while also locking down on defense. Butler’s versatility gave the Warriors a lift on both ends of the floor, ensuring the team never lost its rhythm.
Golden State proved it can weather the storm, but the forecast is still uncertain without Curry. Game 2 looms large on Thursday, May 8, and all eyes will be on that MRI.
