Golden State Warriors’ star Stephen Curry is taking a cautious approach following a Grade 1 hamstring strain he sustained during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors officially announced that he will undergo further evaluation in one week, which likely sidelines him for Games 2, 3, and 4 of the series.
In a media session ahead of Game 2, scheduled for Thursday night at Target Center, Curry acknowledged the uncertainty of a return date. “This is new,” he stated regarding his injury. “There has to be a healing process… you can’t accelerate it more than what it is telling you.” He emphasized the importance of careful evaluation before considering any return, highlighting the need to understand when it is safe to resume playing.
Curry’s injury occurred late in the second quarter of Game 1 when he signaled for a substitution after experiencing discomfort in his left leg. He went on to finish the game with 13 points in just 13 minutes, but the Warriors still managed to secure a 99-88 victory, taking an early lead in the series. Draymond Green significantly contributed to the win with 18 points, while new addition Jimmy Butler nearly achieved a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Buddy Hield stepped up in Curry’s absence, scoring 24 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.
Curry is also managing an ongoing thumb injury on his shooting hand, adding to the complexity of his recovery process. The Warriors had a grueling first-round series against the Houston Rockets, needing seven games to advance, and Curry logged an extensive 45 minutes in the decisive Game 7.
As the Warriors prepare for Game 2, they face a challenging matchup as 10.5-point underdogs. Fans and teammates will be hoping for a swift recovery for Curry so he can return to action and continue contributing to the team’s playoff aspirations.