Jimmy Butler Drops Surprising Truth About How Curry’s Absence Changed Game 1 Forever

There’s something oddly compelling about witnessing a star’s sudden absence — like when a sunspot disrupts the solar system for a moment, forcing the planets to wobble in unexpected ways. That’s exactly what happened to the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinals clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury wasn’t just a blow to the team’s offense; it flipped the script overnight, spotlighting Jimmy Butler — a man who’s long been content playing the sidekick. Now, with everything on his shoulders, Butler’s efforts weren’t just about piling up points but revealing a raw truth: the Warriors’ orbit is profoundly shaped by Curry’s presence. So, here’s the million-dollar question — can Butler really step out of the shadows without losing the magic that makes this team tick? Let’s dig into how Game 1 played out beneath the surface, what Butler had to say, and why this tale of unexpected leadership might just be the most intriguing subplot of this postseason.

The Golden State Warriors snatched a crucial Game 1 win in their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

But what should have been a moment of celebration quickly turned into concern after Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring injury.

His early exit thrust Jimmy Butler into a spotlight he wasn’t expecting to occupy so soon.

Butler delivered a solid 20-point performance in the victory, but his postgame comments revealed just how much the Warriors rely on their superstar teammate.

“We want Steph back. I’ll tell you that. It’s hard playing without that man,” Butler said, via “NBA on TNT.” “… Steph is our best player, and the game is much easier when we got him.”

"That Steph is our best player, and the game is much easier when we've got him."

Jimmy tells @laurenjbara what he learned from the @warriors' Game 1 win pic.twitter.com/RSTnkNsuc7

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 7, 2025

The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Warriors.

Curry showed visible discomfort early in the second quarter when he began limping and signaled to the bench before heading straight to the locker room.

He did not return to the game and will not play in Game 2.

The Warriors now face the real possibility of navigating the rest of the 2025 NBA Playoffs without their franchise cornerstone.

Since arriving in a trade with the Miami Heat, Butler formed a strong connection with Curry both on and off the court.

Butler has embraced his supporting role, often describing himself as Robin to Curry’s Batman.

His focus has primarily been on complementing his teammate’s brilliance and filling gaps where needed.

Now the script has flipped. With Curry potentially sidelined, Butler must step into a leading role that demands more than complementary play.

The post Jimmy Butler Reveals How Stephen Curry’s Absence Impacted Game 1 appeared first on The Cold Wire.