The Golden State Warriors snatched a vital Sport 1 win of their Western Convention Semifinals sequence in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However what ought to have been a second of celebration shortly changed into concern after Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring harm.
His early exit thrust Jimmy Butler right into a highlight he wasn’t anticipating to occupy so quickly.
Butler delivered a strong 20-point efficiency within the victory, however his postgame feedback revealed simply how a lot the Warriors depend on their celebrity teammate.
“We wish Steph again. I’ll inform you that. It’s onerous taking part in with out that man,” Butler mentioned, through “NBA on TNT.” “… Steph is our greatest participant, and the sport is way simpler after we acquired him.”
“That Steph is our greatest participant, and the sport is way simpler after we’ve acquired him.”
Jimmy tells @laurenjbara what he realized from the @warriors‘ Sport 1 win 😆 pic.twitter.com/RSTnkNsuc7
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) Might 7, 2025
The harm couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Warriors.
Curry confirmed seen discomfort early within the second quarter when he started limping and signaled to the bench earlier than heading straight to the locker room.
He didn’t return to the sport and won’t play in Sport 2.
The Warriors now face the actual risk of navigating the remainder of the 2025 NBA Playoffs with out their franchise cornerstone.
Since arriving in a commerce with the Miami Warmth, Butler shaped a robust reference to Curry each on and off the court docket.
Butler has embraced his supporting position, usually describing himself as Robin to Curry’s Batman.
His focus has primarily been on complementing his teammate’s brilliance and filling gaps the place wanted.
Now the script has flipped. With Curry probably sidelined, Butler should step into a number one position that calls for greater than complementary play.
NEXT: Warriors Made Franchise Playoffs Historical past In opposition to Timberwolves
