The Golden State Warriors’ faithful held their breath on May 6, 2025, when Stephen Curry, their beloved superstar, limped off the court in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, Curry’s early exit cast a shadow over the Warriors’ hard-fought 99-88 victory. The latest news, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on May 7, confirms the Warriors expect Curry to miss at least one week, with an MRI providing clarity but no firm return date. As Dub Nation rallies behind their team, questions swirl about Curry’s recovery, his injury history, and how the Warriors will hold the fort without their two-time MVP.

 

 

Stephen Curry Hamstring Injury Update

Picture this: Chase Center buzzing, Game 1 in full swing, and Curry, the heartbeat of the Warriors, suddenly grimaces mid-play. It happened early in the second quarter during a defensive stand. He tried to gut it out, hitting a silky floater and setting up Draymond Green for a 3-pointer, but the pain was too much. Clutching his left hamstring, Curry signaled to the bench and hobbled to the locker room, his frustration palpable. Postgame, Steve Kerr shared that Curry was “devastated” to leave his team, and the Warriors confirmed a Grade 1 strain after an MRI on May 7. Charania’s report underscores the team’s cautious approach, projecting at least a week on the sidelines, with Curry’s status for Game 2 on May 8 already ruled out. The hope? A swift recovery to get their star back for this gritty series.

 

 

 

Typical NBA Hamstring Recovery Time

Hamstring injuries are the kind of nagging setback every athlete dreads. A Grade 1 strain—think a tiny tear in the muscle—is the least severe but still a headache for a player like Curry, whose game relies on quick cuts and explosive bursts. Injury expert Jeff Stotts says NBA players typically need about 10 days to recover from a Grade 1 hamstring strain, which could mean missing 4–6 playoff games. Dr. Evan Jeffries backs this up, noting a 7–10-day window for healing, but warns that rushing back risks a worse tear, like a Grade 2, which could bench a player for 3–6 weeks. With the playoff schedule leaving just one rest day between most games, the Warriors are playing it safe, knowing one wrong step could derail Curry’s postseason.

 

 

 

How Long Will Stephen Curry Be Out?

The Warriors are holding their breath, pegging Curry’s absence at a minimum of one week, per Charania’s update. That puts his earliest return around May 13 for Game 4, though Game 5 on May 15 feels more realistic if rehab hits any snags. This is uncharted territory for Curry, who’s never dealt with a hamstring strain in his 16-year career. The Warriors’ medical staff, led by the renowned Rick Celebrini, will monitor every twinge, ensuring Curry’s explosive movement is fully restored before he steps back on the court. Fans are left refreshing their feeds for updates, hoping their sharpshooting hero can defy the odds and return sooner to face Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.

 

 

 

Stephen Curry’s Injury History

At 37, Curry’s body has taken a beating, but he’s always bounced back with that signature smile. His early years were plagued by ankle sprains, leading to surgeries in 2011 and 2012 that had fans fearing for his career. A 2016 MCL sprain in his left knee slowed him during the playoffs, and he battled knee soreness in the Finals loss to Cleveland. Just this March, a pelvic contusion sidelined him briefly, yet he still played 70 games this season, averaging 24 points in the first round against Houston. Curry’s toughness shone in Game 1, playing through a thumb issue before the hamstring gave out. This new injury, though, feels different—a muscle strain at his age raises questions about how quickly he can regain his rhythm.

 

 

 

Who’s Up Next for the Warriors?

Without Curry, the Warriors’ depth is their lifeline, and Game 1 proved they’ve got fight. Draymond Green was a force, dropping 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, his fire fueling the team. Jimmy Butler, the offseason acquisition, was a two-way beast with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, earning roars from the Chase Center crowd. Buddy Hield, fresh off a 33-point explosion in the Houston series, lit up Game 1 with 24 points, including five 3-pointers. Kerr leaned on Pat Spencer and Gary Payton for defensive grit, and their hustle kept Minnesota’s offense in check. Kerr, hailed by Green as the league’s best coach, will tweak the game plan, leaning on Butler’s playmaking and Hield’s shooting to fill the Curry-sized void. The Warriors’ top-ranked defense, bolstered by Butler’s arrival, will be their anchor.

 

 

 

Looking Ahead

Curry’s injury hurts—there’s no sugarcoating it. A Grade 1 hamstring strain is manageable, but missing at least a week in the playoffs feels like an eternity against a Timberwolves team led by the electric Anthony Edwards. Yet, the Warriors’ Game 1 win showed their heart, with Green, Butler, and Hield stepping into the spotlight. Fans are clinging to hope, checking X for MRI updates and praying Curry’s rehab goes smoothly. The Warriors’ mission is clear: lean on their defense, trust their depth, and steal games until their baby-faced assassin returns to light up the court. For now, Dub Nation waits, believing in the team that’s defied odds before.