Stephen Curry Injury: Warriors Beat Timberwolves in Game 1 Despite Star Exit – Full Match Breakdown

Stephen Curry Injured, Yet Warriors Silence Timberwolves with Dominant Game 1 Win

The Golden State Warriors arrived in Minnesota carrying the fatigue of a hard-fought seven-game battle against the Houston Rockets. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were well-rested and brimming with confidence after dispatching the Lakers in just five games. Add to that a roaring home crowd and the shocking second-quarter injury to Stephen Curry — and everything seemed aligned for a Wolves victory.

But instead, Target Center witnessed something entirely different: the seasoned Warriors, even without their brightest star, methodically dismantled a sluggish and disorganized Timberwolves team, snatching Game 1 of the second-round playoff series with a 99-88 win.

The Curry Setback — and the Warriors' Response

Stephen Curry, the heart and soul of the Warriors, exited the game midway through the second quarter with what the team later confirmed as a left hamstring strain. His absence should have handed the game to the Timberwolves — at least on paper. But the Warriors didn’t flinch. They adapted, adjusted, and executed.

Buddy Hield stepped up in Curry’s absence, torching Minnesota from beyond the arc with 24 points — 22 of which came after Curry left the court. His performance, combined with the Warriors’ disciplined defense and ball movement, turned what looked like a disastrous situation into a stunning triumph.

Golden State led by as much as 23 and never allowed the Timberwolves to get within single digits in the second half.

Timberwolves Falter — Energy Missing, Shots Not Falling

For the Timberwolves, this was supposed to be a statement game. Instead, they crumbled. Poor shot selection, dreadful spacing, and chaotic transitions defined their night. Coach Chris Finch didn’t mince words postgame, calling the team’s offensive rhythm “terrible” and their decision-making in transition “diabolical.”

Perhaps the most puzzling element was how disconnected and flat the Wolves looked — even with Curry sidelined.

Anthony Edwards, their young superstar, couldn’t find his rhythm early. He had just one point in the first half and ended the night with 23, but his body language and energy were underwhelming — something Finch directly pointed out.

“We can’t have that,” Finch said. “It starts with Ant. He struggled, and you could see the light go out for a while. He’s got to lead, even when shots don’t fall.”

Edwards himself didn’t shy away from taking responsibility.

“Every one of us has to play better individually, including myself,” he said. “Can’t make excuses. It’s a game. You just gotta come out and play better.”

Too Much Juice, Not Enough Calm

Veteran guard Mike Conley offered another perspective — the Timberwolves, he said, may have been *too* amped up. “It felt like guys were moving too fast, throwing the ball too hard,” he said. “We wore ourselves out with adrenaline.”

That overexcitement may explain the historically poor shooting from beyond the arc. The Wolves went just 5-for-29 from deep, continuing their cold streak from Game 5 against the Lakers where they made only 4-of-47. According to ESPN, this marks the worst two-game three-point shooting stretch in playoff history at just 15.7%.

Even confident shooters like Edwards admitted the cold stretch is messing with their mindset. “You start missing a little bit, and you get a little tight,” he said. “But I just tell my teammates to keep shooting. They pack the paint — we *have* to shoot.”

Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert: Honest Assessments

Julius Randle added 18 points, but only grabbed three rebounds — a stat that clearly disappointed him. “I can’t come away with just three rebounds playing 30 minutes,” he said. “We all gotta step it up.”

Rudy Gobert echoed that sentiment, warning that the Wolves might be too comfortable having the “advantage” on paper. “We respect the Warriors, but subconsciously maybe we got a little too relaxed. It’s not supposed to get easier. It’s supposed to get harder.”

Warriors Show Championship DNA

What makes the Warriors dangerous is their ability to adapt under pressure. With Curry out, they relied on defense, veteran savvy, and timely shooting. Their communication on the court, help defense, and rotations were flawless for long stretches. They exposed every crack in Minnesota’s structure — and they did it without their leader.

Head coach Steve Kerr announced post games that Curry will have an MRI, and while his status for Game 2 remains uncertain, the Warriors are planning as if they’ll be without him.

If that’s the case, this win becomes even more significant. Not only did Golden State prove they can win without Curry, but they also took away Minnesota’s psychological edge.

Looking Ahead: Wolves Must Regroup, Fast

This series is far from over, but the Timberwolves have to act like it is. They had every reason to win Game 1 — rest, home court, Curry’s injury — and they squandered it. Now they must find urgency and focus before Game 2, or risk letting this series slip away before it even begins.

Coach Finch made it clear: energy is non-negotiable. Leadership has to show up at tip-off, not at halftime. And if Curry remains sidelined, that advantage must be taken *seriously.*

For a team with championship aspirations, Game 2 will be a defining moment.

Thanks for reading .....!

Disclaimer :

This content has been created by an AI language model and is intended to provide general information. While we strive to deliver accurate and reliable content, it may not always reflect the latest developments or expert opinions. The content should not be considered as professional or personalized advice. We encourage you to seek professional guidance and verify the information independently before making decisions based on this content.