The Golden State Warriors overcame Stephen Curry’s early second-quarter exit due to a hamstring strain, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference second round on Tuesday night. Buddy Hield and Draymond Green stepped up from beyond the arc, while Jimmy Butler delivered 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Hield continued his hot streak from Game 7 against Houston, scoring 24 points (5/8 from three), and Green hit four first-half 3-pointers en route to 18 points. The Warriors used 12 players and lockdown defense to manage Curry’s absence. “Everybody who came in gave us something,” Green said. Coach Steve Kerr emphasized: “It’s about intensity, heart, and fight.”
The Wolves, coming off a week-long break, shot a dismal 5/29 from three and trailed by 23 in the third. Anthony Edwards struggled early (one point at halftime) but finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Naz Reid (19 points) and Julius Randle (16) couldn’t turn the tide. “Our transition decisions were diabolical,” coach Chris Finch lamented.
Curry’s status for Game 2 on Thursday remains uncertain.
