The defending champions Golden State Warriors began their playoff quest masterfully beating up on the Minnesota Timberwolves. All was looking good until the momentum swung in a big way when star player Stephen Curry left the game with a left hamstring injury. Curry on the night scored 13 points in only 13 minutes of action. He left the game early in the second quarter, casting a shadow over how his potential injury could impact the series.
Curry’s departure adds a layer of uncertainty to the Warriors’ strategy as they navigate through the playoffs. Over the course of his career, he has missed 12 playoff games. The last such incident was in the 2018 Western Conference semis. Even so, his absence could swing the series against Minnesota all the way in the opposite direction. The Warriors need every bit of what he brings to the table offensively.
Curry’s Injury and Its Implications
Unfortunately for them, Stephen Curry’s injury couldn’t have come at a worst time. The rest of the team has proven their mettle in similar playoff circumstances, sporting a 9-3 record in these series without him. Yet, this record is irrelevant when you consider the fact that no one can score like Stephen Curry. Unlike the Warriors, the environmental coalition does have support from other major players. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson will have to fill the void with him gone.
Curry’s absence will be more noticeable, though, as the Warriors will have to lean further on their defense and offensive contributions from others. Jonathan Kuminga was swiftly pressed into action following Curry’s injury, indicating that he may assume a larger role moving forward. The unknown of Curry’s status definitely complicates the equation as the team tries to regroup and move forward with three games on the immediate horizon.
Curry picked up his injury going for a driving floater to start the second quarter. The more pressing issue not just for this week’s game, but potentially for his overall length of absence. Only time will tell how severe the hamstring injury is and deciding when he should return to play. With an abbreviated schedule that features just one day off between Games 1-5, there’s not much room for recovery.
Game 1 Overview: A Mixed Bag for the Warriors
Even against Curry’s injury, the Warriors Game 1 displayed an interesting level of defensive brilliance. Minnesota couldn’t have been ice cold, opening the game by going 0-for-15 from beyond the arc. With this performance, they equaled their own record. It is notable for being the longest consecutive playoff half without making a three-pointer in the last 25 years.
Representing the Warriors’ defensive strengths, they turned the tables on Minnesota, taking full advantage of the Wolves’ offensive woes. What they can’t count on is Anthony Edwards having another horrible shooting performance. Edwards missed his first ten shots from the field, and while this helped Golden State maintain control temporarily, it may not be a sustainable strategy throughout the series.
Golden State went out on a limb in that third quarter. They missed a lot of shots in the process putting up 20 total attempts, a staggering 19 of which came from three-point range! This strategy is an indication of their faith in their three-point shooting talent. Regardless of whether he returns or not, if Curry is sidelined, they’ll have to play a different style to make up for the star’s absence.
Looking Ahead: What Lies Ahead for the Warriors
As the series progresses, the Warriors must adapt to the possibility of playing without their star player for an indefinite period. The short-term direction of their season will tell us just how well they’d be able to tread water without him. Now with only one day off between games, keeping players healthy and their spirits high will be critical.
The Timberwolves are going to make them pay for every area of concern that crops up due to Golden State’s lineup shuffling. Should Curry stay out past Game 1, Green and Thompson will have to deliver better showings. Their collective contributions will be important in sustaining the Warriors championship window. Beyond all that, Kuminga’s expanded playing time would surely prove important in giving the Warriors a renewed infusion of energy and offensive creation.
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