Warriors Take Game 1 in Minnesota Without Stephen Curry Tonight. Jimmy Postgame 🤝

The Golden State Warriors pulled off a gritty, eye-opening win in Game 1 of their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves—without their franchise cornerstone, Stephen Curry. On the road, in front of a packed Target Center, the Warriors silenced the crowd and took control of the series early, relying on veteran savvy, smart defense, and timely offense. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.

From the opening tip, Golden State looked locked in. Without Curry’s usual offensive gravity and playmaking, the Warriors leaned on Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and a breakout performance from Jonathan Kuminga, who dropped 24 points and brought relentless energy on both ends. Klay, meanwhile, turned back the clock with his shot-making, nailing tough jumpers and playing solid perimeter defense. It wasn’t vintage “Game 6 Klay,” but it was a reminder that he’s still capable of rising to the moment.

Draymond Green orchestrated the offense like a floor general and anchored the defense with his usual blend of IQ, toughness, and controlled chaos. His intensity set the tone early, and he didn’t let up for 48 minutes. Gary Payton II and Moses Moody also gave Steve Kerr important bench minutes, flying around on defense and hitting key shots.

On the other side, the Timberwolves struggled to take advantage of Curry’s absence. Anthony Edwards had flashes of brilliance, but Golden State’s rotating defenses made every look difficult. Karl-Anthony Towns never found a rhythm, and Minnesota’s ball movement stalled late in the game. When the Wolves needed to execute, the Warriors simply outclassed them.

But what really turned heads was the postgame moment—when Warriors legend and team ambassador Andre Iguodala caught up with Jimmy Butler, who was in the building showing love to both teams. Jimmy, known for his deep respect for tough, team-first basketball, gave a nod to Golden State’s performance. The postgame handshake and brief conversation—captured by cameras and shared across social media—felt like a symbolic moment. It wasn’t just a “good game” exchange. It was a mutual recognition of what it takes to win on the road, short-handed, and under pressure.

Butler, who knows all too well about carrying a team in the playoffs, seemed to appreciate the Warriors’ grit. There was no Curry magic tonight, no logo threes or transition flurries—just a team that understood the assignment and executed with precision.

Golden State now holds a 1-0 lead and has stolen home-court advantage. And if Stephen Curry returns for Game 2, the pressure only ratchets up for the Timberwolves. For Minnesota, this game was a missed opportunity. For the Warriors, it was proof that championship DNA doesn’t disappear just because one star is missing.

They came in, took care of business, and walked out with a win. No frills. No excuses. Just that classic Golden State poise. And judging by Jimmy Butler’s postgame respect, everyone in the building understood exactly what they had just witnessed.