MINNEAPOLIS — Golden State Warriors beat Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 6, 2025, even after losing star guard Stephen Curry to a left hamstring strain in the second quarter.
Curry, who left the game early, was showing his usual brilliance with 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting before signaling to the bench that he needed assistance. General manager Mike Dunleavy quickly checked on him as he headed straight for the locker room. The Warriors held a solid 30-20 lead when Curry went down.
“Steph is our best player,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “It’s hard to imagine he will play Thursday,” as Golden State prepares for Game 2.
Despite Curry’s absence, the Warriors maintained control, showcasing impressive defensive efforts and strong performances from Buddy Hield, who scored a game-high 24 points, and Draymond Green, who added 18 points and eight rebounds.
“Jimmy [Butler] is as good as any star in the league at reading the game and controlling the tempo,” Kerr mentioned, praising the former Timberwolves star who recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds.
The Timberwolves had a tough night offensively, shooting only 39.5% from the field. They struggled with their 3-point shooting, missing their first 16 attempts and ending the game with a dismal 5-of-29 from long range.
An energized Anthony Edwards was Minnesota’s standout, scoring 22 of his 23 points in the second half after a slow start. However, he acknowledged the collective issues the team faced. “We just didn’t shoot well tonight, but we’ll bounce back. That’s how it goes,” Edwards said.
The Warriors’ defense not only shut down Minnesota’s offense but also forced them into 16 turnovers. Despite their struggles, Minnesota managed a late push, cutting the deficit to nine points, largely thanks to a brief 13-2 run. However, they could not capitalize on their momentum as Golden State reasserted their lead with timely buckets from Hield and Butler.
“I felt like I played great defense; I just couldn’t finish on offense,” Edwards added, reflecting on his late-game performance.
With the Warriors now poised to build upon their victory, the stakes rise higher as they aim to secure another win without their star player. Curry is scheduled for an MRI, leaving the team preparing for the worst.
The first road win for Golden State came with notable statistics as they became part of NBA history as the first-ever team to win Game 1 of all four road teams in conference semifinal series. Kerr emphasized the need to adapt if Curry’s absence extends.
“We’ll figure out the strategy without him. We have confidence in our players,” Kerr said. “We’ll adjust and keep fighting,” he added as the team looks to hold its ground against the Timberwolves.
Game 2 tips off on Thursday at Target Center, where both teams will have to dig deeper as a playoff run continues with intense competition ahead.
