The Warriors stole Game 1, but they have lost Stephen Curry for Game 2.
One day after Curry exited Golden State’s 99-88 Game 1 victory over the Timberwolves with an injury, an MRI Wednesday revealed a left hamstring strain. Curry won’t play in Game 2 on Thursday night, and the Warriors said he will be re-evaluated in one week, sidelining him for at least the next two games.
Curry, 37, is an 11-time All-Star and the premier offensive threat for the Warriors, and his availability carries massive implications for Golden State’s playoff hopes — in its Western Conference semifinal series against Minnesota and beyond.
The average time missed for NBA players with a grade 1 hamstring strain is approximately 10 days, according to certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts, who maintains a comprehensive database of NBA injuries. Game 3 is Saturday, May 10; Game 4 is Monday, May 12; Game 5, if necessary, is Wednesday, May 14; and Game 6, if necessary, is Sunday, May 18.
Though the Warriors don’t have an official timeline for his return, it’s possible Curry could return for a potential Game 5, Game 6 or Game 7.
‘I think we all want (No. 30) back,’ Warriors star Jimmy Butler said following Golden State’s Game 1 victory Tuesday. ‘But we want him to do his best for himself, best for our group. Until then, we can hold down the fort. I know we can.’
Curry exited Tuesday night’s game in Minneapolis with 8:19 remaining in the second quarter. He had been grabbing at his left hamstring area multiple times in the period, and after Warriors forward Draymond Green made a 3-pointer and Minnesota called timeout, Curry left the game with the Warriors leading 30-20.
Before leaving the game, Curry had 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting, including 3-for-6 on 3-pointers. After his last made shot, he motioned for Warriors coach Steve Kerr to sub him out, and Brandin Podziemski checked in as Curry headed to the locker room.
Curry had another outstanding season (24.5 points, 6.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds per game and 39.7% 3-point shooting) and his ability to perform like that at his age is a major reason why the Warriors acquired Butler from Miami in a trade deadline deal in February. Since acquiring Butler, the Warriors have been one of the best teams in the league.
After Game 1, Kerr had said Curry was day-to-day, but did not offer any additional details aside from the scheduled MRI.
“I talked to him at halftime,” Kerr said. “He’s obviously crushed, but the guys picked him up and played a great game. Obviously we’re all concerned about Steph, but it’s part of the game. Guys get hurt, you move on.
‘Our guys did a great job of moving on and getting a great win 48 hours after a Game 7 road win. It’s an amazing group of guys. These guys — they compete, they’re together. We’ve been the best defense in the league since the Jimmy trade, and that’s what’s keeping us afloat right now.”
(This story was updated with additional information.)