San Francisco, California – The Golden State Warriors faced a significant setback when star guard Stephen Curry exited with a hamstring strain during the second quarter, yet they still managed to secure a 99-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series Tuesday night.
With Curry sidelined, the Warriors turned to key contributors to keep their momentum. Buddy Hield led the charge with 24 points, supported by Jimmy Butler with 20 points and Draymond Green who added 18. Despite facing the adversity of losing their star player, Golden State adapted swiftly, demonstrating their depth and resilience.
The Timberwolves struggled mightily, particularly from beyond the arc. The team missed all 15 of their three-point attempts in the first half and finished the game hitting just 5 of 29, a dismal 17.2 percent. Anthony Edwards stepped up with 23 points, but the Wolves could not find their rhythm in a game that emphasized their shooting woes.
Entering the series, the Timberwolves were seen as favorites after a strong performance against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. Edwards had dazzled with an average of 26.8 points per game in that series, proving pivotal in their triumph. He received crucial support from teammates like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert, who played instrumental roles in pushing Minnesota past the Lakers.
For the Warriors, this victory marks a historic moment, as it was the first time in NBA history that all four road teams triumphed in their respective Game 1 matchups during a playoff round. As the Warriors aim for another championship run, they hope to navigate the playoffs without suffering additional injuries.
The Timberwolves had aspirations of returning to the Western Conference Finals, a feat they accomplished last year. Meanwhile, Golden State looks to reclaim its place among the elite after winning the title in 2022 and missing the playoffs the following year.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether the Timberwolves can bounce back and capitalizing on home-court advantage or if the Warriors will extend their lead despite the absence of their star player. As the series unfolds, both teams will be pushing hard, knowing that every game carries significant weight in this closely contested playoff battle.