The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 Tuesday in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series. The Warriors secured the victory despite losing guard Stephen Curry to injury during the contest.
Curry left the game in the second quarter after experiencing discomfort in his left leg. He was later ruled out with a hamstring strain.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game that Curry's injury status is day-to-day. Curry will undergo an MRI examination on Wednesday for further evaluation.
Kerr stated that the team is preparing for the possibility that Curry will not be available for Game 2. The coach said with a hamstring injury, it is difficult to imagine Curry playing on Thursday.
Despite Curry's early departure, the Warriors maintained control of Game 1. Other players contributed significantly to the win. Buddy Hield led the Warriors with 24 points, while Jimmy Butler finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Draymond Green added 18 points and eight rebounds.
The Timberwolves struggled offensively, especially in the first half. They scored just 11 points in the second quarter. Anthony Edwards finished with 23 points, but most came in the second half.
The Warriors Game 1 win gives them an early lead in the Western Conference semifinals series.
Curry played just 12 minutes before his injury. He had 13 points before exiting the game.
The injury follows a demanding workload for Curry, who played 46 minutes in the Warriors' Game 7 victory over the Houston Rockets in the previous series. Game 2 against the Timberwolves is scheduled for Thursday night.
Timberwolves player Jimmy Butler commented on Curry's absence. "We want Steph back," Butler said. "It's hard playing without that man."
