No Curry, no party: hungry Wolves are just too good for Warriors

The Golden State Warriors pulled off a major victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road and stealing home-court advantage. However, that win came at a steep cost - they lost their best player, Steph Curry, to injury.

One of the greatest 3-point shooters of all time suffered a hamstring strain and is expected to miss several games - at least until Game 5. Without Curry, the GSW looked like a shadow of its usual self, and Minnesota made the most of it with a commanding 117-93 win in Game 2.

Without Curry on the court, the Warriors seemed somewhat lost and without the necessary confidence. That's why they brought in Jimmy Butler in the first place - to take over in moments like these and carry the team. In theory, it's a decent plan. But with Curry sidelined, the Wolves focused entirely on Butler, holding him to just 17 points.

The hosts opened the game with a blistering 13-0 run, and from that point, it was much easier to keep the Warriors away.

Still, the GSW head coach, Steve Kerr, managed to rally his team during the half-time interval, sparking a 16-6 run in the third quarter that brought the deficit down to just seven points. Unfortunately for the visitors, that would be their last push. The Timberwolves quickly regained control, effortlessly scoring on fast breaks and stretching the lead back to 20 heading into the final quarter.

From there, it was smooth sailing for Minnesota. By the midway point of the fourth quarter, Kerr subbed all of his starting five players - that was a clear sign he was waving the white flag.

The series now shifts to San Francisco, where the Warriors will have a chance to take a 2-1 lead at Chase Center. They've done their job by winning one on the road - now, they must defend their home court.

Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday, May 11.

NBA PLAYOFFS - CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Friday

Minnesota - Golden State 117-93 (series tied 1-1)

/Randle 24 - Kuminga 18/

Saturday

02.30: (2.30) Indiana (12.5) Cleveland (1.75)

05.00: (2.60) Denver (13.0) Oklahoma (1.60)

22.30: (2.95) New York (13.0) Boston (1.50)

Sunday

03.30: (2.60) Golden State (13.0) Minnesota (1.60)

***odds are subjects to change***