The Golden State Warriors dealt with Jimmy Butler missing one game against the Houston Rockets. They were hoping that was the end of their adversity. But a bombshell dropped last night. After limping off in just 13 minutes in Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Stephen Curry won’t be available for the next few games due to a hamstring injury. The ailment came as a surprise as Curry looked devious in his short time on the floor. But the Rockets series seems to have taken a lot out of the Chef.

He is still capable of making those unfathomable shots. But at the age of 36, physically, it takes more than it used to. Further, being exposed to the Rockets’ physical defense clearly left some wounds. As a coach, Steve Kerr operated with caution during the regular season. However, with a series to win, he saw it as having no choice.

“That’s something we consider. But you know, you get into these situations where you know you’re in a series, you know, if you want to advance, if you want to survive and advance, then what are you going to do? Play Steph 32 minutes and lose a game? You know, you really got to do what you got to do to advance,” Kerr explained during an appearance on 95.7 The Game.

Houston was obviously not going to spare Curry. Playing with an injured thumb, Dillon Brooks mentioned targeting the ailment to unsettle the two-time MVP. Additionally, he also averaged close to 40 minutes per game, a significant increase from his regular-season minutes. But it was all necessary to win.

Because even with Curry playing more minutes, the Warriors needed all seven games to get past Houston. And unsurprisingly, they hinged on Stephen Curry and the defensive attention he draws to help his teammates. The injury is a battle scar that the Baby Faced Assassin hopes doesn’t prove too costly to his team.

They are engaged in an equally intense series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who thrive on the back of their defensive work rate. But while Stephen Curry will spend time on the sidelines cheering for his teammates, the Warriors did see some heroes emerge.

Best friends will need to step up in Stephen Curry’s absence

After Curry exited the game in just the second quarter, the Dub Nation grew anxious. They wondered how the Warriors would recoup. That’s when a pair of best friends stepped up. These were the times they brought in Jimmy Butler for. And the star forward didn’t disappoint, providing 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.

As for the shooting threat, Buddy Hield is riding high on his enthralling Game 7 performance against the Rockets. His shooting prowess served as a key weapon for the Warriors in Game 1. But his night didn’t start all that well.

Hield’s antics became a huge focus point after the game. Out of all the errors, him wearing the wrong shorts was perhaps unforgivable. Jimmy Butler grilled him for it. Even Steve Kerr had a similar reaction. “I’ve never seen a guy actually play in a game with the wrong shorts,” he said as he laughed at Hield’s hilarious moment.

It’s those moments though that make Buddy Hield a likable personality in the Warriors’ locker room.

“I love Buddy. He’s one of one of the best human beings I’ve ever met in my life. And it was kind of fitting. It’s his approach to life. It’s that island mentality from the Bahamas. Like, you know, there’s not a whole lot of uh a lot of care into anything. It’s just enjoy life and go out and be Buddy Hield,” he says about the former Kings sharpshooter.

Now, aside from being an invigorating personality for his teammates, Hield’s responsibilities have amplified. Without Curry, the Wolves will naturally narrow down on containing his shooting abilities. Playing with Jimmy Butler should offer him some spacing. However, Hield will have to contribute again, especially as the team is set to continue without Curry for the time being.

The Golden State Warriors have proved they have a capable roster that can find ways to win without their franchise icon. It’s just that the spotlight is now brighter. With the pressure ramping up, it all comes down to whether the team can handle life without Stephen Curry.