Let’s call it the ‘Hamstring Hangover Tour,’ starring the Golden State Warriors—who somehow managed to take Game 1 off Minnesota with Stephen Curry checking out after just 13 minutes and Jimmy Butler stepping in like he never left the spotlight. You read that right. Thirteen. One minute for every Timberwolf that forgot how to shoot a basketball.

Golden State 99, Minnesota 88. Final score. But it felt more like 1999, the way the Timberwolves were tossing up bricks. They forgot the assignment—missing 16 straight threes at one point, and Anthony Edwards looked more like a sleepy puppy than an apex predator, scoring just one point in the first half. Meanwhile, Steph came out blazing, dropped 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, and looked ready to torch the place… until his hamstring pulled the plug.

That’s when Jimmy Butler clocked in. Near triple-double—20 points, 11 boards, 8 assists, 2 steals—and enough attitude to fill Chase Center. With Curry sidelined, Butler didn’t just step up; he took over. Golden State didn’t flinch, didn’t stall—they doubled down. But let’s get to the big question: Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight?

Oh, he is! Jimmy looked like a guy who remembered he used to carry franchises for a living. And now, with Curry out (Grade 1 left hamstring strain, re-evaluation in a week), it’s Butler’s show. Draymond already gave him the “he’s got this” nod, and Jimmy responded like it’s Game 6 in Boston all over again.

Curry is expected to miss at least the next two games (Games 2, 3, and 4) with a re-evaluation scheduled in one week, per Anthony Slater. The earliest possible return could be Game 5, depending on how the hamstring holds up. There’s no one else currently on the Warriors’ injury report, aside from Gary Payton II, who has an available tag but with a left thumb splint. And it also means all eyes shift to who’s left to hold it down.

Jimmy Butler & Co.’s Depth Chart vs Timberwolves

With the chef on ice, Golden State’s going to need a buffet of contributions—especially from guys who’ve been in and out of the mix all season. Here’s how the current depth chart looks heading into Game 2:

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Even without Curry, this team didn’t just survive—they dictated terms. Butler turned into the alpha this squad needed, practically inhaling every loose ball and calling his own number. The Warriors didn’t flinch, didn’t stall—they doubled down and made Minnesota look completely unprepared.

The Timberwolves looked lost for most of Game 1. Anthony Edwards scored just one point in the first half. They also missed 16 straight threes and turned the ball over 16 times. On the glass, the T-Wolves got hammered 39–25 across the final three quarters. Golden State’s zone defense collapsed hard—bodies everywhere, hands flying, and the paint packed like Monday rush hour.

“They come get you deep in the paint,” Coach Finch said post-game. “You’ve got to make the early play against these guys.” Spoiler: the Wolves didn’t. That brutal second quarter? Just 11 points for Minnesota. 11! As if Golden State turned back the clock to ‘We Believe’ mode and handed out defensive clinic flyers mid-game.

Golden State doesn’t need your sympathy—they need your attention. Because even without Stephen Curry, they walked into a hostile gym, punched first, and never looked rattled. It wasn’t smoke and mirrors. It was structure, grit, and a whole lot of Jimmy Butler reminding folks that playoff experience still counts for something. Minnesota, on the other hand, has no excuse.

Game 1 was a layup, and they tripped over the free-throw line. Edwards looked like he was running on airplane mode, the role players disappeared, and the execution was sloppy enough to make a high school coach wince. If that’s the energy they bring again, they won’t just lose this series—they’ll get booed out of their own building.

Game 2 is a chance at redemption. But with Curry watching from the bench, it’s Butler’s team now—and he’s driving this thing like it’s May in Miami.