In a dramatic turn of events that no one saw coming, the Golden State Warriors seized Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals with a commanding 99-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves — and they did it without their superstar Stephen Curry for the entire second half. Curry exited the game late in the second quarter with what team officials later described as a “mild to moderate hamstring strain,” throwing the Warriors’ postseason hopes into uncertainty. But instead of folding, Golden State responded with grit, tenacity, and the heart of champions.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, suffered a complete offensive meltdown, shooting a dismal 34% from the field and an even worse 25% from beyond the arc. Despite facing a Warriors team missing its floor general and primary scoring threat, Minnesota never found a rhythm. Their offense looked stagnant, hesitant, and shockingly uninspired for a team that many predicted would dominate a Curry-less Golden State.
This game was supposed to be Minnesota’s to lose — and they did just that.
Klay Thompson stepped up in Curry’s absence, dropping 28 points and hitting several crucial shots to stifle any Timberwolves run. It was vintage Klay — calm under pressure, lethal from mid-range, and deadly from the perimeter. More impressively, it was his leadership and defensive presence that held the team together as Curry was helped to the locker room just before halftime.
But perhaps the unsung hero of the night was Draymond Green. The emotional engine of the Warriors played inspired basketball on both ends of the court. He finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals, but his impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. Green’s physicality and relentless communication anchored a stifling defensive effort that held the Timberwolves to just 41 second-half points.
For Minnesota, this loss cuts deep. Anthony Edwards, their rising star, shot just 6-of-20 from the field, often forced into difficult looks by the Warriors’ swarming defense. Karl-Anthony Towns was equally ineffective, scoring only 14 points and showing visible frustration throughout the game. Head coach Chris Finch now faces serious questions heading into Game 2: how did a healthy Timberwolves roster get outplayed by a team missing its most important player?
It’s not just the loss — it’s how they lost. Minnesota looked unprepared and emotionally flat, while Golden State, led by championship-tested veterans, played like a team with everything to prove.
As for Curry, the Warriors organization remains cautiously optimistic. Early reports suggest the hamstring strain is not severe, but his availability for Game 2 remains in doubt. If he misses more time, the Warriors will need another all-hands-on-deck performance to maintain their edge in the series.
The win is a massive momentum swing for Golden State, but also a clear warning to the rest of the league: underestimate this team at your own peril. Even without Curry, the Warriors showed they still have the championship DNA that made them a dynasty.
For now, Game 1 will be remembered not just for a gutsy Warriors win, but for the collapse of a Wolves team that seemed unready for the moment. If Minnesota can’t regroup quickly, this series could slip through their fingers before they know it.
Golden State has drawn first blood — and they did it the hard way.
