Warriors could surprisingly become NBA Finals favorites if this happens

The Golden State Warriors could emerge as NBA Finals favorites if they advance past the Minnesota Timberwolves without Stephen Curry.

Curry’s status for the rest of the series is in serious doubt. The future Hall of Fame guard suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain in Game 1 and was ruled out for Game 2.

ESPN’s Shams Charania provided some insight into Curry’s possible return timeframe on Wednesday.

“The Warriors expect Stephen Curry to miss at least one week with the Grade 1 left hamstring strain,” Charania posted to X. 

“An exact return will be based on how their All-NBA guard responds to rehab with his first muscle strain.”

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Curry’s injury devastated Warriors fans, but it may also have sparked a remarkable transformation for Golden State.

In Game 1, the Warriors stunned Minnesota 99-88, despite Curry exiting early. Buddy Hield erupted for 24 points, including five three-pointers, showcasing his ability to fill the sharpshooting void. Jimmy Butler, acquired midseason, delivered 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, proving his clutch playoff prowess.

Draymond Green added 18 points, including four first-half threes, while anchoring a defense that held Minnesota to 39.5% shooting and a dismal 17.2% from three. This collective effort made the Warriors look, at least for the moment, no longer reliant on Curry’s brilliance.

Curry’s injury might force role players like Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody to elevate their games, fostering a deeper, more versatile roster. Hield’s emergence as a consistent scoring threat—evidenced by his nine threes in Game 7 against Houston—complements Butler’s all-around dominance and Green’s defensive mastery. 

Advancing past the Timberwolves without Curry would signal Golden State’s evolution into a balanced juggernaut. With Curry’s eventual return (assumedly in the Western Conference Finals), the Warriors would blend their newfound depth with his unparalleled shooting, making them formidable Finals contenders.

Then again, what are the chances the Dubs can really beat Anthony Edwards and Co. without Curry?

We’ll know soon enough.

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