Warriors Steph Curry Injured will be sidelined for at least one week due to a hamstring strain

Explanation of a Grade 1 hamstring strain

A Grade 1 hamstring strain is the mildest form of hamstring injury, involving only slight overstretching or microscopic tears of muscle fibers. This type of strain usually presents as mild pain and tenderness but does not significantly impair muscle strength or range of motion. Recovery is relatively quick compared to more severe hamstring injuries, with most Grade 1 strains healing within 3–7 days if properly treated. Some athletes may return to sports within a week, although a more conservative approach often recommends about three weeks of rest from sports activities to prevent recurrence.

Treatment for a Grade 1 strain follows the PEACE principles (Protect, Elevate, Avoid anti-inflammatory measures, Compress, Educate) initially, followed by gentle stretching and gradual strengthening exercises. Unlike more serious hamstring injuries, Grade 1 strains typically do not require crutches or extensive medical intervention. However, returning to activity too early—especially high-intensity sports involving sprinting or jumping—significantly increases the risk of re-injury and may lead to more severe damage.

Warriors’ game plan without Curry

The Warriors will need to significantly adjust their offensive strategy without their superstar point guard. Head coach Steve Kerr has indicated they will rely heavily on Jimmy Butler as the primary offensive focal point, leveraging his experience as a central figure in Miami’s offense before joining Golden State. In their Game 1 win, the Warriors demonstrated this approach by setting high ball screens for Butler in the final eight minutes.

Golden State’s likely focus:

• Moving the ball and seeking out shooters, with Butler attracting defensive attention
• Relying on Draymond Green and Butler as primary playmakers (they recorded six and eight assists respectively in Game 1)
• Maintaining constant defensive intensity, limiting Minnesota to just 39.5% shooting in the game
• Contributions from players like Buddy Hield, who scored 24 points in the opening game of the series
• Minimizing turnovers, as they committed only 5 turnovers in the second half of Game 1 after 13 in the first half

The Warriors have limited experience without Curry since acquiring Butler late in the trade, going 1-1 in such games during the regular season. While their offense will certainly be impacted without Curry’s shooting prowess and scoring ability, their defensive identity remains intact with Green orchestrating and Butler leading perimeter defense.

Jimmy Butler’s expanded role

With Curry sidelined, Jimmy Butler’s role will shift from complementary star to primary offensive focus. Since joining the Warriors, Butler has been content facilitating rather than dominating scoring, averaging a modest 16.9 points per game—the lowest since his third NBA season—while focusing on creating with 5.7 assists per game. Now, the Warriors will need “Playoff Jimmy” to emerge as their main creator.

Butler has proven capable of handling this responsibility, having twice led the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals. His 38-point performance in the play-in win over Memphis demonstrated this ability, and he has expressed confidence in his impact, stating, “Any team has a chance with me on it.” Coach Steve Kerr has already begun adjusting, employing high ball screens for Butler as the primary offensive action late in Game 1. Warriors players recognize this shift, with Draymond Green noting, “Jimmy can carry the whole team; he’s done that twice already in the Finals.” Butler’s basketball IQ and ability to control the pace make him especially valuable in high-pressure situations, with Kerr describing him as “as good as any star in the league at reading the game.”

What specific strategies has Jimmy Butler outlined during timeouts?

During recent timeouts without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler has outlined several key strategies to help the Warriors maintain offensive flow and defensive intensity. His main points include:

• Ball movement and spacing: Emphasizing quick passes and maintaining good spacing on the floor to create open shots for shooters like Buddy Hield and Klay Thompson to compensate for Curry’s absence.

• Executing pick-and-roll: Calling for increased use of high ball screens to free up himself or Draymond Green to attack the basket or kick out to shooters.

• Defensive communication: Stressing openness on defense, constant switching on screens, and helping each other limit easy baskets, especially when facing Minnesota’s dynamic backcourt.

• Pace control: Reminding teammates to control the tempo—pushing in transition when the opportunity arises but also being patient and cautious in half-court sets.

• Leadership and energy: Encouraging the team to maintain high energy and confidence, urging everyone to step up and play with urgency and resilience.

Butler’s leadership moments in the games reflect his expanded role and the Warriors’ collective effort to adapt without Curry on the floor.

How has Jimmy Butler’s integration into the Warriors’ locker room been received by teammates?

Jimmy Butler’s integration into the Warriors’ locker room has been warmly received by his teammates, with many public statements highlighting his positive impact.

• Draymond Green: He has repeatedly praised Butler’s leadership and basketball IQ, noting how easily Butler has adapted to the Warriors’ culture.

• Stephen Curry: Even before his injury, Curry expressed excitement about playing alongside Butler, emphasizing Butler’s work ethic and competitive spirit as valuable additions.

• Steve Kerr: The coach has lauded Butler’s basketball understanding and clutch playmaking, pointing out how quickly he adapted to the Warriors’ system.

Overall, Butler’s presence is seen as a significant positive sign, with teammates valuing his leadership, experience, and commitment to winning. The locker room’s dynamic seems to have benefited greatly from his addition.