• Stephen Curry will miss at least one week due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain suffered in Game 1 against the Timberwolves.
• The Warriors are adapting their strategy, relying more on defensive performance and increased contributions from players like Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Buddy Hield.
• Curry's absence removes his significant 'gravity' effect, requiring teammates to adjust their offensive approaches and the Timberwolves to change their defensive focus.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. An MRI revealed the extent of the injury, sidelining Curry for at least one week. This absence poses a significant challenge for the Warriors, who must now adjust their strategies and rely on other key players to maintain their competitive edge in the series. The team's ability to compensate for Curry's scoring and defensive impact will be critical to their success.

• What: Stephen Curry sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, forcing him to miss at least a week of the Western Conference Semifinals.
• Who: Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Buddy Hield, Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards
• When: The injury occurred on Tuesday, May 7, 2025, during Game 1. Curry will be re-evaluated in one week, potentially missing Games 2-4. Game 5 is on May 14, and a potential Game 6 is on May 18.
• Where: The injury occurred in Minneapolis during Game 1 of the Warriors-Timberwolves series.

Curry's injury presents a substantial challenge to the Warriors, requiring strategic adjustments in both offense and defense. His 'gravity' effect, which draws defenders and creates opportunities for teammates, will be notably absent. The Warriors' reliance on players like Butler, Green, and Hield will increase, and their defensive performance must remain strong. The Timberwolves' adjustments in response to Curry's absence will also be crucial in determining the series' outcome. The Warriors' playoff experience without Curry, though limited in recent years, provides some confidence, but the team's overall composition has changed since their last extended period without him.

"I think you literally just take it a game at a time...I mean, Steph will be back when he's back. We just focus on tomorrow's game and then we go from there."

"Everyone loves and respects Steph so much, and he's the reason that this whole run has happened...But when it comes down to it, this is about Steph, this whole thing."

"Just because Buddy kind of does the same as Steph, he just shoots a lot of 3s. I wouldn't say he's as good as Steph, but he's like Steph. I just kind of treat him how I guard Steph. Just not giving him no space. Basically being his shadow."

Seeing Curry injured was a “little deflating,”

Stephen Curry's hamstring injury introduces significant uncertainty into the Warriors' playoff campaign, sidelining him for at least a week and potentially impacting the series against the Timberwolves and beyond. While the team demonstrated resilience in Game 1, securing a 99-88 victory despite his early exit, replicating that success will be difficult against a Timberwolves team eager to exploit Curry's absence. The Warriors will need key players like Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield to elevate their performance, and the team must maintain its defensive intensity to compensate for the loss of Curry's offensive firepower. Coach Kerr's strategic adjustments and the adaptability of the team's depth will be critical in navigating this challenge. The next few games will test the Warriors' ability to sustain their championship aspirations without their star point guard, while also being mindful of the potential for reinjury upon his return. The earliest possible return for Curry appears to be Game 5 on May 14, with Game 6 on May 18 as a more realistic possibility.