The Golden State Warriors snatched a crucial Game 1 win in their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

But what should have been a moment of celebration quickly turned into concern after Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring injury.

His early exit thrust Jimmy Butler into a spotlight he wasn’t expecting to occupy so soon.

Butler delivered a solid 20-point performance in the victory, but his postgame comments revealed just how much the Warriors rely on their superstar teammate.

“We want Steph back. I’ll tell you that. It’s hard playing without that man,” Butler said, via “NBA on TNT.” “… Steph is our best player, and the game is much easier when we got him.”

“That Steph is our best player, and the game is much easier when we’ve got him.”

Jimmy tells @laurenjbara what he learned from the @warriors‘ Game 1 win 😆 pic.twitter.com/RSTnkNsuc7

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 7, 2025

The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Warriors.

Curry showed visible discomfort early in the second quarter when he began limping and signaled to the bench before heading straight to the locker room.

He did not return to the game and will not play in Game 2.

The Warriors now face the real possibility of navigating the rest of the 2025 NBA Playoffs without their franchise cornerstone.

Since arriving in a trade with the Miami Heat, Butler formed a strong connection with Curry both on and off the court.

Butler has embraced his supporting role, often describing himself as Robin to Curry’s Batman.

His focus has primarily been on complementing his teammate’s brilliance and filling gaps where needed.

Now the script has flipped. With Curry potentially sidelined, Butler must step into a leading role that demands more than complementary play.

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