Image Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“I Gotta Step Up” – Buddy Hield Torches Timberwolves Without Steph Curry, Leads Warriors in Clutch Game 1

Image Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield Rose to the occasion and helped secure a critical Game 1 win over the Wolves. In the absence of Curry, the forward emerged as a consistent shooter and took the game away from the opposition. Hield also came clutch in the game 7 against the Houston Rockets this week.

On his first game performance, Buddy Hield said, “I just keep trusting my way. Keep trusting God and I believe in myself. I work hard on the field. We are in my biggest stage of career, so with Steph not here I know that I gotta step up.”

On the overall team performance and victory, Hield shared, “Resiliency. All glory to God for this great win. We are a great team. We know Steph does a lot for us. We got Jimmy on the side. We got Dray, a great coach in Steve. We just execute and have fun, and we enjoy competing. Steph’s the reason we are here, and I’m thankful. I hope it’s (injury) not serious, and he’s back soon.”

It’s amazing what a winning Culture can do for a player. Buddy Hield has been a completely different player on both ends of the floor this postseason
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 7, 2025

Also Read: Steph Curry Injury Status – What Happened to Steph Curry During Game 1 Against the Timberwolves?

Steph Curry was out from the game in the second quarter due to a hamstring injury. The all-time great shooter felt something in his muscle while making a run on the court. He never returned again for game 1 and will go through an MRI scan to determine the extent of the issue.

Buddy Hield Delivers Without Curry’s Guiding Hand

Buddy Hield’s contribution was important for the Golden State Warriors to get off the line without Steph Curry. The 32-year-old scored 24 points with eight rebounds and 3 assists. He went 7-of-19 from the field and 5-of-8 from deep. The three point daggers helped the Warriors get a huge lead throughout the game.

Hield was also defensively important for the visitors. He guarded Anthony Edwards and prevented him from going off the rails. The 23-year-old who has been talking a lot in the media could manage to score just 1 point in the entire first half. And Buddy Hield had a big role in it.

Jimmy Butler was consistent and made vital contributions. He scored 20 points from 7-20. Though his accuracy was not promising, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. He was just two assists shy of making a triple double.