Warriors Beat Timberwolves Without Curry: Hield and Green Lead Game 1 Win

The Golden State Warriors might have been missing their biggest star, but that didn’t stop them from grabbing a gritty Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Stephen Curry sidelined early due to a hamstring strain, the Warriors rallied around sharp shooting from Buddy Hield and Draymond Green to pull off a 99-88 victory on Tuesday night.

Let’s dive into what made this win so special for Golden State.

How did the Warriors manage without Stephen Curry?

Losing Steph in the second quarter could’ve sent the Warriors into a spiral. But instead of folding, they got fired up.

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Hield came out with confidence and kept the momentum going from Game 7 against the Rockets. He knocked down five of his eight 3-point attempts and finished with 24 points. His quick release and calm presence on the perimeter were key in keeping the Warriors’ offense afloat.

Draymond Green also came out firing. Known more for his defense and energy than his scoring, Green dropped in four 3-pointers in the first half alone. He ended the game with 18 points and gave the team exactly what they needed: leadership, fire, and a few surprise buckets.

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Who else stepped up for Golden State?

Jimmy Butler had a huge all-around game. He tallied 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Even without Curry, the Warriors found ways to move the ball, spread the floor, and hustle on defense.

Coach Steve Kerr also deserves credit. He threw a zone defense at Minnesota, and it worked like a charm. With Curry out, Golden State knew they had to dig in defensively, and they did just that.

Kerr rotated through 12 different players, showing trust in his bench and keeping fresh legs on the floor. The entire roster played with urgency and pride.

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What went wrong for the Timberwolves?

Minnesota just couldn’t hit a shot from deep.

The Wolves missed their first 16 3-point attempts. It wasn’t until Naz Reid knocked one down with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter that they got on the board from long range.

By then, they were already down by 20.

Their final numbers from behind the arc? A brutal 5 for 29. Compare that to Golden State’s 14 made threes, and the difference in the game becomes clear.

Anthony Edwards did finish with 23 points and 14 rebounds, but he started off cold. He shot just 9-for-22 from the floor. Reid had 19 points off the bench, and Julius Randle added 16, but it wasn’t enough to keep up.

Was this a coaching masterclass by Steve Kerr?

Absolutely. Kerr knew the Wolves had a long layoff after their last series. He also knew they weren’t a great 3-point shooting team to begin with. So, he threw a zone at them — a risky move in the NBA, but it worked.

The Wolves kept taking threes, and they kept missing. Meanwhile, the Warriors worked the ball around, defended with intensity, and took high-percentage shots.

With Curry out, Kerr leaned into game planning, and it paid off.

What’s next for Game 2?

All eyes are on Stephen Curry.

The Warriors haven’t given an update beyond confirming the hamstring strain. He grabbed at the back of his leg after hitting a jumper in the second quarter and went straight to the locker room. He didn’t return, and it’s unclear if he’ll be available for Thursday’s Game 2.

If he’s out again, Golden State will need another team effort. They proved they could do it once, but can they do it again?

Minnesota, on the other hand, has to regroup fast. The home team still hasn’t won a game in the second round of these playoffs, and the pressure is on them to even the series.