The Golden State Warriors are one step closer to the Western Conference finals. They beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1 of their semifinal series.

During the game, star player Stephen Curry had to leave in the second quarter due to a hamstring strain. Despite this setback, the Warriors pulled off the victory. Buddy Hield stepped up, scoring 24 points, with Jimmy Butler contributing 20 points and Draymond Green adding 18.
Hield is making a name for himself. He has made 14 three-pointers in just two games, joining an elite group of players in NBA history. This group includes stars like Curry, Klay Thompson, and Damian Lillard, who have all had similar explosive performances in the playoffs.
Butler was impressive as well. He not only scored 20 points but also grabbed 10 rebounds, coming close to a triple-double—a rare feat in the postseason. On the other hand, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 23 points after a quiet first half.
Historically, the Warriors have a strong track record. Since 2015, under head coach Steve Kerr, they have won 21 out of 22 series when winning Game 1. Their only loss came during the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This win sets the stage for an exciting series. Fans will be watching closely, especially to see how Hield continues to perform and how the Warriors adjust without Curry. As the playoffs unfold, every game will be crucial, and the stakes will only get higher.
For more insights and updates, check out ESPN for comprehensive coverage of the NBA playoffs.