Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised his team’s grit and adaptability following a 99–88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1, emphasizing Draymond Green’s defensive dominance and Jimmy Butler’s late-game control.
Speaking after the win, Kerr credited Green’s impact on both ends of the floor: “He’s the best defensive player I’ve ever seen in my life,” Kerr said. “He makes our defense go. He makes the game much easier for all of the other guys.”
The Warriors lost Stephen Curry to a hamstring injury late in the second quarter, and Kerr acknowledged that his availability for Game 2 is uncertain. “We’re definitely game-planning for him to not be available on Thursday,” he said. “With a hamstring, it’s hard to imagine that he would play.”
Kerr did not hide the challenge of finding offensive production without his lead scorer. “We have to talk about that,” he noted. “Our guys are tired, and they need a rest. So the coaches will meet tomorrow, and we’ll figure out our plan for Thursday.”
Golden State’s defense stifled Minnesota from deep, holding the Timberwolves to 5-of-29 from beyond the arc. “We did a great job early of keeping them from getting many good looks,” Kerr explained. “We established a really good defensive posture and mindset.”
The Warriors used a 12-man rotation, a change Kerr said was dictated by Curry’s exit. “That was an adjustment with Steph’s injury,” he said. “We were completely winging it in the second half.”
Kerr praised the second unit for stepping up in key moments. “Every single guy who came off the bench contributed,” he said. “Quentin was a +14 in six minutes, didn’t take a shot, but he battled. JK played important minutes. Pat—he’s a gamer. Those minutes were big.”
With Curry out, the Warriors leaned heavily on Butler in crunch time. “All we were doing was high ball screens for Jimmy,” Kerr said. “He’s as good as anybody—any star in the league—at reading the game.”
Butler also made an impact on the glass and defensively in the first half, collecting six offensive rebounds and two steals. “Incredible anticipation,” Kerr said. “Jimmy’s got that sense.”
Asked whether the win gave the team more flexibility in handling Curry’s return, Kerr deferred to Golden State’s Director of Sports Medicine. “I just listen to Rick Celebrini, and whatever Rick says goes,” he said.
Kerr downplayed the significance of winning without his superstar. When asked where it ranked, he quipped, “Thirteenth.”
He also clarified the decision to start Buddy Hield on Anthony Edwards. “Buddy makes the most sense—the way he’s playing defensively, the way he’s shooting the ball,” he said. “It was a no-brainer.”
Reflecting on previous postseason runs without Curry, Kerr said this situation was different. “We had an all-time NBA roster,” he said of the past. “But there is a lesson—you have to understand what it takes to win a game without your best player.”
Golden State out-rebounded Minnesota 51–41 and hit 18 threes to overcome the absence of Curry. “It’s about the intensity, the heart, the fight,” Kerr said.
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night in Minneapolis.
