Curry’s Hamstring Strain Raises Questions for Warriors’ Series After Win Over Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS – Golden State’s star player Stephen Curry was forced to leave the game early in the second quarter due to a strained left hamstring, casting uncertainty over the Warriors’ future in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Curry’s injury, the Warriors secured a 99-88 victory in Game 1 on Tuesday.
Curry is set to undergo an MRI on Wednesday, and his status is day-to-day. However, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that it is unlikely Curry will play in Game 2 on Thursday.
“He’s obviously crushed,” Kerr said, referring to Curry’s reaction. “But the guys picked him up and played a great game. We’re all concerned about Steph, but that’s part of the game. Injuries happen, and you move on. Our guys did an amazing job of handling it, especially with the quick turnaround after a Game 7 road win. This is an incredible group of guys. They compete, and they’re united.”
The injury occurred shortly after Curry hit a 26-foot step-back 3-pointer early in the second quarter. Despite feeling discomfort in his hamstring, he continued playing briefly before calling for a substitution after sinking a 14-foot floater to extend Golden State’s lead. Curry was then seen gingerly jogging to the locker room, finishing with 13 points in just 13 minutes of action on 5-of-9 shooting.
“It’s a little deflating, but we knew Steph did a great job of helping us get that comfortable lead,” said Curry’s teammate Draymond Green.
Curry had been crucial in the Warriors’ Game 7 victory over the Houston Rockets just two nights earlier, playing the full game after a grueling back-and-forth series. The Warriors’ tight schedule, with only one day of rest between Games 1 and 2, adds to the uncertainty surrounding Curry’s recovery.
After battling various injuries in recent years, including issues with both hands and feet, Curry managed to play in 70 games this season, showing resilience after playing 74 games the year before. The four-time NBA champion and 11-time All-Star averaged 24 points per game in the first round of the playoffs against the Rockets.
Despite Curry’s early exit, the Warriors’ confidence remained high, with key performances stepping up in his absence.
“We have the best coaching staff in the NBA. We know they’ll put us in a good spot,” said Jimmy Butler, who contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. “We all want ’30’ back. Until then, we’ve got to hold down the fort.”
As the Warriors look ahead to Game 2, they face the daunting challenge of playing without their leader, at least temporarily. How they adapt to Curry’s absence could shape the outcome of the series, but for now, they remain optimistic about their depth and coaching.
Source: AP News – Curry leaves Warriors’ win vs. Wolves with hamstring strain, putting rest of series in question
