Steph Curry’s replacements for Warriors series against the Timberwolves

Stephen Curry will be sidelined for at least a week after straining his left hamstring during Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, the California franchise must figure out how to replace the greatest shooter in NBA history.

Curry grimaced in pain after making a floater from the elbow with 8:48 left in the second quarter. He headed to the locker room and did not return to the floor at the Target Center.

In the second half of Game 1, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr turned to Gary Payton II as Curry’s replacement – a move that could carry over into Game 2 against Minnesota. Payton is expected to focus on defending Anthony Edwards or any of the Timberwolves’ primary ballhandlers, while offensive playmaking duties will fall to Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.

Kerr expanded his rotation to 12 players following Curry’s injury, giving meaningful minutes – not just garbage time – to the likes of Gui Santos, Pat Spencer, and Quinten Post. The latter didn’t stuff the stat sheet but was on the court during the team’s best scoring stretch of the game, finishing with a +14 plus-minus in six minutes despite not taking a single shot and grabbing one rebound.

Who filled in for Curry during the regular season?

Curry missed 12 games in the regular season. In the first three – between late October and early November – Moses Moody started in his place. In later absences, the starting nod went to Lindy Waters III and Dennis Schroder, both of whom were dealt to the Detroit Pistons as part of a four-team trade that brought Jimmy Butler to Golden State.

After Butler’s arrival at the trade deadline, Moody became the most frequent starter in Curry’s absence. That said, Kerr continued to tweak the lineup, with Gary Payton II getting the start the last time Curry sat out – against the Miami Heat.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.