The Golden State Warriors stole Game 1 on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 99-88 win. One thing that stood out for the Warriors was how the other players stood up after Stephen Curry exited the game due to a left hamstring strain. Curry only played for 12 minutes, headed to the locker room during the second quarter and did not return.
Without their best player, others stepped up to give the Warriors the victory. Jimmy Butler had an all-around game with 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. All-Star forward Draymond Green had a great night offensively with his 18 points. Green shot 4-for-10 from beyond the arc.
However, it was Buddy Hield who led the team in scoring. He had 24 points and eight rebounds on 62.5 percent from long range.
Following the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed Curry’s status. According to Kerr, the four-time champion may miss Game 2 on Thursday. The former NBA player said they’ve started considering his absence from the next game of their second-round series against Minnesota.
“We’re definitely game planning for him to not be available on Thursday,” Kerr said. “We don’t know yet. With the hamstring, it’s hard to imagine that he would play Thursday.
Without their leading scorer, there’s a question about how the Warriors will execute their offense. Curry is responsible for 24 points during the postseason, which is the most for the team. Kerr said he and the rest of his coaching staff will need time to plan their execution for Game 2 without the two-time MVP.
“We have to talk about that. We’re gonna give the players the day off tomorrow. Nothing. No film, they need a day… Coaches will meet tomorrow and we’ll figure out our plan for Thursday.”
Draymond Green talked about the Golden State Warriors’ response to Curry’s injury
During the postgame presser, Golden State Warriors big man Draymond Green said the team didn’t know what injury Curry sustained in the second quarter. Like most fans, they were clueless and waited for the update from the medical staff. Later on, they were informed that it was a hamstring strain.
According to Green, Curry’s injury was “a little deflating.”
“We knew he did a great job of helping us build a comfortable enough lead and Robin turned into Batman and what do you call Buddy [Hield]? Alfred turned unto Robin,” Green said.
The rest of the team responded positively after their leader suffered a discouraging injury. Green complimented his teammates for stepping up while Curry was down.
While there is still no update on his status for Game 2, Green and the Golden State Warriors are preparing to face the Wolves without Curry.
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