The Golden State Warriors emerged victorious over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 99-88 in the opening game of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday. This win was notable as it occurred despite Stephen Curry’s early exit from the game due to a hamstring injury, which might also sideline him for Game 2. Despite potential concerns from Warriors supporters, ESPN analyst Jay Williams remains optimistic about the team’s chances.
Appearing on Get Up on Wednesday morning, Williams argued that the Warriors could still triumph over the Timberwolves without Curry, pointing to their strong defensive capabilities as the primary factor.
Despite Steph Curry’s injury, @RealJayWilliams still believes the Warriors have a shot at winning the series vs. the Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/sAFYTOTHiN
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 7, 2025
“I still think that the Warriors have a legitimate shot to win this series without Steph Curry,” stated Williams. “It might seem surprising given how crucial Curry is on the court, yet many overlook the fact that this team became the top defensive team in the NBA following their acquisition of Jimmy Butler.”
Williams highlighted that the defensive pressure, especially on the perimeter due to Jimmy Butler, would continue to disrupt the Timberwolves’ game plan and negatively impact their rebounding efforts.
Given that the Warriors have already secured a win over the Wolves with Curry playing just 13 minutes, evidence suggests they can prevail without their star player. However, this doesn’t dismiss the possibility that the Timberwolves could significantly improve their performance from their Game 1 defeat.
The series will proceed on Thursday night in Minnesota. If the Timberwolves manage to level the series, the urgency for Curry’s return may increase. Conversely, a victory for the Warriors to lead 2-0 might encourage them to gauge how far they can progress without him.
More NBA Coverage on Sports Illustrated
feed
Similar posts:
- Jimmy Butler’s Candid Game 1 Confession to Warriors Coach Caught on Mic!
- Steve Kerr Reveals Steph Curry’s Heartbreaking Reaction to Devastating Injury!
- Steph Curry Out of Game 2 Against Timberwolves Due to Hamstring Injury!
- Draymond Green Reveals Why Warriors Stay Calm Without Steph Curry
- Jimmy Butler Sends Strong Warning to Timberwolves Fans Booing Him
Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.