Warriors Without Curry — Can Playoff Jimmy Keep the Fire Going?
Peter Maiorano

Warriors Without Curry — Can Playoff Jimmy Keep the Fire Going?

Steph Curry left early in Game 1 with an injury and is officially out for Game 2. But the Warriors didn’t flinch. “Playoff Jimmy” Butler and Draymond Green stepped up in a big way, leading Golden State to a gritty 99–88 win over Minnesota to take a 1–0 lead in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Final: Warriors 99, Timberwolves 88
📍 Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
📊 Series: Golden State leads 1–0

Jimmy was attacking, rebounding and creating. Draymond was knocking down threes like he was possessed and anchoring the defense in Curry’s absence. Golden State shot 42.9% from deep and moved the ball with purpose, racking up 26 assists and committing just 12 turnovers.

📊 Game 1 Key Stats

  • Jimmy Butler: 20 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST
  • Draymond Green: 18 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 4-10 from deep
  • Buddy Hield: 24 PTS, 5-8 3PT
  • Anthony Edwards: 23 PTS, 14 REB, 9-22 from the field
  • Julius Randle: 18 PTS (10-10 FT), but just 4-11 from the field

Golden State had seven players hit a three and won the battle on the glass 51–41, while holding Minnesota to just 17.2% from long range (5-29). That’s not going to cut it.

🚨 Game 2 Preview: No Steph, What Now?

Steph Curry is officially ruled OUT for Game 2, and that changes everything. Golden State was 7–5 without him in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different beast. The question now: Can Playoff Jimmy do it again? Can Draymond stay hot?

🔥 Game 2 Betting Lines

  • Spread: Timberwolves -10.5
  • Total: 201.5
  • Moneyline: MIN -520 / GS +410

Minnesota comes in as a big favorite — and with Curry out, playing at home, they’ll be furious after Game 1. But this round has been brutal for home teams. The Thunder were the first to win at home last night, evening their series 1–1. Otherwise? Road teams have been mopping up.

🎯 Player Prop Watch

Warriors Without Curry — Can Playoff Jimmy Keep the Fire Going?
  • Jimmy Butler: O/U 24.5 PTS
  • Julius Randle: O/U 19.5 PTS
  • Draymond Green: O/U 10.5 PTS
  • Anthony Edwards: O/U 27.5 PTS

Butler’s prop is climbing, and for good reason. If he’s this locked in again, the Wolves have problems. And Draymond over 10.5? Suddenly doesn’t look so crazy.

🔮 Prediction

This is Minnesota’s bounce-back spot. They need to respond. You’d expect the defense to tighten, the crowd to help early, and Edwards to take over. But… the Warriors just know how to win. Even without Curry, their veterans looked ready.

🏀 If you’re betting it?

Lean: Warriors +10.5 / Over 201.5. If Jimmy and Dray do it again, we’re heading to the Bay 2–0.

Thank you for reading my Warriors Without Curry — Can Playoff Jimmy Keep the Fire Going? article. Follow me on Twitter/X. For NBA and other sports articles, check out Pete’s Sports Blog and subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more videos. Image credits: ESPN, Goldens State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.

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