The Golden State Warriors managed to steal the first game of their semi-final series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but it wasn't without loss. The Warriors lost superstar Steph Curry with a hamstring injury that may have been caused due to overexertion.
Stephen Curry Injures Hamstring After Running Career-High 1.99 Miles In Houston Game 7 https://t.co/WWvVVWsAxz
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 7, 2025
According to ESPN, Curry ran a career-high 1.99 miles in their Game 7 win against the Houston Rockets only to turn around and have to play again two nights later. Considering that Curry is 36 years old, that quick turnaround and that exertion likely contributed to his injury.
That is a potentially damaging injury that could cost the Warriors. After all, Curry could miss at least a week as he recovers from his injury and has already missed Game 2 and potentially more games as well.
Steph Curry's injury could derail the Golden State Warriors' playoff run
Hamstrings are notoriously difficult to gauge, with them tending to be a lingering injury. After dropping Game 2, the Warriors need him back, but he may not return soon.
Reporting for @SportsCenter on the Golden State Warriors losing Stephen Curry for at least one week with a Grade 1 hamstring strain: pic.twitter.com/i0InCpElK4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 7, 2025
Given that he has been diagnosed with a grade one hamstring sprain, he could miss even more time. In fact, Dr. Brian Sutterer predicted that he could be out until Game 6 or Game 7 against the Wolves, if needed.
Remember- repeat evaluation in 1 week does not mean return to play in 1 week.
— Brian Sutterer MD (@BrianSuttererMD) May 7, 2025
I’d be surprised if we see him back before a game 6 or 7. https://t.co/CFPZ2HRvG4
Golden State taking Game 1 was huge for them since it buys them time. Of course, they lost Game 2. But splitting the first two games as the road team is a win nonetheless.
The Warriors will have to survive without Steph Curry to save season
Fortunately, for the Warriors, there is an extra day's rest when the series changes cities. That buys them time with Curry, but even if he is out the estimated week, he'd still miss Games 2, 3, and 4.
Nevertheless, if Curry is indeed out through Game 6, then the Warriors will be in big trouble. They simply don't have enough offense to compete with one of the best defensive teams in the NBA without Curry.
Golden State managed just 93 points without Curry and 99 points with him playing 13 minutes in Game 1. To put it plainly, without Curry, the Warriors are going to struggle to put points on the board. That increases the need for him to return, but the question is when? If he is out for as long as projected, Golden State will have to make do without their best player for at least two more games, possibly three.