A look at how Warriors fans viewed Game 1.
The Golden State Warriors pulled off a win that was equal parts impressive and concerning on Tuesday night, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. It was a dominant defensive performance, and an incredible statement to steal Game 1, on the road, against a well-rested team, while down a key player. But down a key player they are, as they lost Steph Curry to a hamstring injury that will almost surely keep him out of Game 2, at a minimum.
Here’s how Warriors fans reacted to the highs and the lows, as seen through live comments from the Golden State of Mind game thread.
First quarter: ‘Awesome flow to start’
The Warriors looked energetic and had a better flow than against Houston in the early going, jumping out to a 13-6 lead. But then the Wolves scored 10 straight points. The Warriors were shutting down Anthony Edwards but couldn’t find a way to score their own points. Things got sloppy, and they trailed 20-18 after the first.
Second quarter: ‘We’re screwed’
The defense locked down in a huge way to start the second quarter. The Warriors rattled off a 17-0 run that spanned two quarters and pushed the lead to 13 points, but Curry was injured in the middle of it, and limped off the court. The Warriors announced he would not return. Draymond Green caught fire shooting the ball, and the defensive pressure was immense. The Wolves had shot 0-for-15 on threes in the half, and the Dubs led 44-31.
Third quarter: ‘This game makes zero sense’
There was no third quarter letdown, even with Curry out. They started with great pace and energy, and quickly pushed the lead to 20 points. Buddy Hield, who had been held to just two points in the first half, had 16 in the quarter, and, following a Minnesota run, the Warriors scored 10 straight points. Pat Spencer and Jonathan Kuminga had some big minutes, and they had a commanding 80-60 lead going into the fourth.
Fourth quarter: ‘Miracles do happen’
The fourth quarter got scary. The Wolves showed early signs of life, and finally started to score, with Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid, and Rudy Gobert all having big moments. They went on a 12-2 run early, and forced Green to the bench with his fifth foul. The Warriors couldn’t buy a bucket, and another Wolves run made it a nine-point game halfway through. But the Dubs responded with a mini-run of their own. Huge buckets from Hield, Jimmy Butler III, and Gary Payton II, and some clutch defense from Green and Kevon Looney kept the Wolves at bay, as the Dubs grabbed Game 1.