Butler Shines, Warriors Win Game 1 Despite Curry Injury

The Golden State Warriors won Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite losing Stephen Curry early to a hamstring injury. Jimmy Butler, acquired midseason from the Miami Heat, played a pivotal role with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, helping to fill the void left by Curry’s absence. Warriors owner Joe Lacob praised Butler’s leadership and on-court impact, describing him as 'worth every penny' after his high-profile acquisition and $121 million extension. The team also benefited from strong shooting by Buddy Hield and maintained defensive resilience, outshooting Minnesota from three-point range. Following the win, Butler addressed derogatory comments from Timberwolves fans and underscored Curry’s importance to the team. With a 1-0 series lead, the Warriors aim to capitalize on their momentum as Butler continues to demonstrate his value.