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Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler lead Warriors vs Timberwolves in Game 1 despite Stephen Curry exit

Published May 7, 2025, 2:19 PMNBA.com Philippines Staff
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Stephen Curry exited Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals early with a hamstring strain. Still, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler III, and the rest of the Golden State Warriors found a way to overpower Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jimmy Butler steps up for the Golden State Warriors. | Photo: NBA

No Stephen Curry? No problem—for now.

The Golden State Warriors shrugged off the sudden loss of their star guard to steal Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 99–88, on the road Tuesday (PH time) to take a 1–0 series lead.

Curry left the game late in the second quarter with a hamstring strain after scoring 13 points in under 13 minutes.

But the seventh-seeded Warriors leaned on their depth, hustle, and timely shooting to stifle the sixth-seeded Timberwolves and seize control early in the series.

Jimmy Butler III led the way with a gritty all-around effort—posting 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while grabbing a season-high seven offensive boards that proved crucial in Golden State’s second-chance scoring. The Warriors outmuscled Minnesota on the glass and punished them on broken plays.

Buddy Hield paced Golden State in scoring with 24 points on 5-of-8 shooting from three, while Draymond Green chipped in 18 points, including four first-half triples that helped the Dubs build an early cushion.

  

Minnesota struggled mightily from deep, missing their first 16 attempts and finishing just 5-of-29 (17.2%) from beyond the arc. Anthony Edwards battled valiantly with 23 points and career highs of 14 total and 13 defensive rebounds, including 13 fourth-quarter points in a last-gasp effort.

Julius Randle added 18 points and a career-high 10 made free throws in the postseason. Game 2 stays in

Minneapolis, with tip-off set for Friday, May 9, at 8:30 a.m. (PH time). Curry’s status looms large as Golden State looks to double down on the road before heading home.

[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]