Warriors Defeat Timberwolves 99-88 Amid Curry Injury

With Stephen Curry sidelined by a hamstring strain for at least the next three games of the Warriors' second-round series against the Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield stepped up to lead Golden State to a 99-88 Game 1 victory. Butler contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists with strong defense, while Hield scored 24 points with five three-pointers and a team-leading plus-22 rating. The duo, both recent additions to the Warriors, have developed a playful and competitive rapport that has translated into effective on-court chemistry, despite occasional disagreements. Their performances will be crucial as the team adapts to Curry's absence, with head coach Steve Kerr emphasizing the need for lineup adjustments and resilience. Teammate Draymond Green highlighted the strong but sometimes volatile dynamic between Butler and Hield as key to the team's current success. The Warriors remain hopeful for Curry's return later in the series but acknowledge the significant challenge of advancing without their star player.