Buddy Hield ignites Warriors past Timberwolves in Game 1 despite Stephen Curry's exit

The Golden State Warriors secured a 99-88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. This is despite losing Stephen Curry to a hamstring strain early in the second quarter. Curry had scored 13 points in 13 minutes before exiting the game. He is expected to miss Game 2.

Buddy Hield from the Warriors stepped up in Curry's absence and led his team with 24 points, including five three-pointers, and eight rebounds. He made NBA history by becoming the third player to record back-to-back playoff games with at least 20 points, five made threes, and zero turnovers.

Draymond Green contributed significantly with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Jimmy Butler added 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. The Warriors utilized a zone defense to stifle the Timberwolves, who struggled offensively, shooting just 5-for-29 from three-point range and committing 16 turnovers.


Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 23 points and 14 rebounds but had an inefficient shooting night, going 9-for-22 from the field. Naz Reid added 19 points, and Julius Randle contributed 16. The Timberwolves missed their first 16 three-point attempts, not connecting from beyond the arc until midway through the third quarter.

The Minnesota Timberwolves once looked impressive at times in their first-round playoff series victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. But they have stumbled in Game 1 of the second round against the Golden State Warriors. Fans are criticizing Anthony Edwards, the team's superstar guard, as the main culprit. He scored a measly one point in the first half and was just 4-of-15 from the field through three quarters.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Thursday at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Warriors will aim to maintain their momentum, while the Timberwolves look to bounce back and even the series.