Warriors Outlast Timberwolves in Game 1, Survive Early Curry Injury to Take 1-0 Lead

Warriors Steal Game 1 on the Road Even After Losing Curry Early

The Golden State Warriors stunned the Minnesota crowd with a gritty 99-88 win Tuesday night, swiping home-court advantage in the Western Conference Semifinals against the *Timberwolves*. Everything seemed stacked against them once Stephen Curry limped off the court with a hamstring injury before halftime, just days after dropping 22 points in their previous playoff outing. But Curry's exit didn't kill Golden State's spirit—instead, it did the opposite.

Suddenly, the spotlight shifted. Buddy Hield—just a few months removed from the midseason trade chatter—came alive when the Warriors needed buckets. He drilled back-to-back threes in clutch moments, keeping the Timberwolves at arm's length whenever they threatened to close the gap. Draymond Green, never shy about stepping up in the postseason, added a pair of deep shots too, plus his usual dose of emotional energy and scrappy defense.

This wasn't a game full of offensive fireworks. Minnesota, normally reliable at Target Center, couldn't get in a rhythm. Anthony Edwards tried to take charge but faced double-teams all night. Karl-Anthony Towns saw constant bodies in his face and, outside of a few putbacks, failed to get the Wolves rolling. Despite Curry's absence, the Warriors clamped down harder defensively, blocking passing lanes and forcing tough jumpers. Minnesota shot under 40% from the field, boos echoing across as each empty possession dragged on.

Meanwhile, Golden State's bench stepped up just enough. Jonathan Kuminga hustled for loose balls, even drawing a couple critical fouls that let the Warriors manage the game tempo. Andrew Wiggins snatched two steals in crunch time, both swinging the momentum firmly back to his squad. Steve Kerr, ever the tinkerer, ran a small-ball lineup that left the Timberwolves searching for answers.

What’s Next in This High-Stakes Series?

There’s not much time for Minnesota to sulk—Game 2 is right around the corner. The big question: will Stephen Curry suit up? An ice pack on the bench was the only update as of late Tuesday, leaving his status in doubt and Warriors fans anxious. If he can’t go, Hield and Green will shoulder even more of the offensive burden, while the defense rides the energy from Game 1.

Series openers often set the tone, but this matchup is wide open. The *NBA Playoffs* always have a way of creating new heroes. For now, Golden State controls the scoreboard and the narrative, heading into Game 2 eager to press their advantage. Minnesota won’t just roll over at home, but after a cold-shooting night and with their back already against the wall, they’ll need to find answers fast if they hope to keep up with the Warriors’ next-man-up mentality.