KEYPOINTS SUMMARY
- Stephen Curry sidelined with a hamstring injury—could miss entire playoffs
- Grade 1 strain ruled him out of Game 1 after just 13 minutes
- Expected to miss Games 2, 3, and 4 at minimum, return uncertain
- Curry admits frustration and says recovery will “require patience”
- Warriors took Game 1 but fear mounting as star guard remains unavailable
- Teammates like Hield and Butler stepping up—but is it enough?
- Golden State’s future in the playoffs now hangs by a thread
Curry Out, Warriors Losing Control of Playoff Dreams
It’s the news every Golden State fan feared—and it’s official.
Stephen Curry is OUT with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and his return during the 2025 playoffs is looking increasingly unlikely.
The face of the franchise, the four-time champion, the heart of the Warriors’ dynasty—could now miss the entire postseason.
“Tough break,” Curry said. “Hopefully I’ll be back soon.”
But behind the hopeful tone, Curry’s own words and body language tell a darker story.
From Joking to Pain—Steph’s Shocking Update
Curry sat down for interviews Thursday ahead of Game 2 in Minneapolis with a smirk.
“I’m feeling great,” he said.
Then quickly added: “Sarcasm.”
Steph isn’t doing great. Far from it.
The hamstring injury he suffered during Game 1 didn’t just knock him out of the second quarter—it could sideline him for the entire series, and maybe the playoffs.
He’s currently unable to:
- Run drills
- Shoot—even while stationary
- Stretch or jog
- Participate in any basketball activities
“It’s hard to predict this stuff,” Curry admitted. “There were no warning signs.”
And just like that, the Warriors’ playoff run turned into a waiting game without their best player.
When and How It Happened: The Nightmare Play
During Game 1, Curry scored 13 points in just 13 minutes, looking sharp and energized—until disaster struck.
He made a pivot on defense, then suddenly pulled up with pain in his leg.
“I felt great the whole game… until I didn’t.”
He tried to return but quickly realized the severity.
The medical staff pulled him. And he hasn’t touched a basketball since.
What’s the Recovery Timeline? Nobody Knows
A Grade 1 hamstring strain is considered mild—but it’s deceptive.
- Minimum rest time is 1-2 weeks
- Re-injury risk is extremely high
- Return too soon = longer-term damage
Curry’s timeline is fluid, but insiders now say:
- Game 5 (May 14) is the earliest possible return
- If the Warriors are eliminated early, he won’t return at all
And here’s the harsh truth: hamstring injuries linger. Especially for high-movement guards like Curry.
“You can’t rush this,” Curry said. “Trust me—I want to play.”
Warriors Win Game 1—but Can They Survive Without Steph?
Even without Curry for most of Game 1, the Warriors pulled off a 99-88 win.
But don’t let that fool you.
Golden State’s offense looked shaky at times, and the win came down to huge efforts from role players:
- Buddy Hield dropped 21 points
- Jimmy Butler added 20
- Draymond Green was a force on defense and playmaking
They held Minnesota to just 5-of-29 from three—but how long can that defense last without their leader?
Steph’s Presence Still Matters—But It’s Not Enough
Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that even sidelined, Curry’s leadership is invaluable.
“He’ll be talking to guys on the sidelines. He might even jump into the huddle.”
But cheering from the bench isn’t the same as dropping 30 points from deep.
And Kerr knows it.
Golden State needs:
- A miracle
- Or a medical breakthrough
- Or 2015-level performances from everyone not named Curry
Why This Is More Than Just an Injury
Steph Curry is averaging 22 points per game in this playoff run—more than any Warrior this year.
He’s the team’s:
- Best scorer
- Primary facilitator
- Emotional leader
- Closer
Without him, the entire offensive identity collapses.
And let’s not forget—Curry is 36. These injuries don’t get easier with age.
How the Team Is Reacting—And Why It Might Not Be Enough
Teammates are saying the right things.
“We’ve got depth.”
“This is our moment to shine.”
“We can still win this series.”
But make no mistake—they’re nervous.
Golden State has spent a decade building around Steph. Now they face:
- A red-hot Minnesota team
- A backcourt mismatch without Curry
- A national audience watching and doubting
And unless they buy Steph more time by winning Games 2 and 3, the curtain might fall early.
What Comes Next: Games That Could End It All
Here’s the playoff schedule:
- Game 2: Thursday (in Minneapolis)
- Game 3: Saturday (in San Francisco)
- Game 4: Monday (in San Francisco)
- Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 (Steph’s possible return)
Golden State needs to hold the line until then.
If they don’t?
Curry won’t have a series to return to.
Curry Out, Warriors Losing Steam
The “Curry out, Warriors losing” storyline isn’t just heartbreaking—it could be the final chapter of an era.
Golden State’s dynasty was built on Steph’s shoulders.
Now, those shoulders are sidelined—and the team is left to survive without him.
They’ve done it before.
But they’ve never done it like this—at his age, in this series, against this opponent.
“We can still win,” Curry said. “But patience will be required.”
Let’s just hope time doesn’t run out.
