The Golden State Warriors battled against adversity to claim an opening win at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
An injury to Stephen Curry left many NBA fans fearing the series to be over before it had even started.
And while Curry could not complete Game 1, the Warriors had enough to see it out, clinching a 99-88 win amid a terrible performance from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Draymond Green was described as ‘phenomenal’ – but NBA legend Magic Johnson claims another figure is the real key to their success.
Magic Johnson lauds Steve Kerr
Magic Johnson paid tribute to the Warriors smartness and discussed how this is a reflection of coach Steve Kerr.
Postin on X, he wrote: “What makes the Warriors so tough is they have the best coach in the league, Steve Kerr, and he showed that last night with his offensive and defensive game plans.”
He also added that the players have lots of intelligence between them too, pointing to their star trio.
“The Warriors are also the smartest team in the NBA with the highest basketball IQ and leaders Steph, Draymond and Jimmy. This is why they beat the Timberwolves last night!”
Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Buddy Held added 24 points to take Game 1 over the Timberwolves 99-88. What makes the Warriors so tough is they have the best coach in the league, Steve Kerr, and he showed that last night with his offensive and…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 7, 2025
Steve Kerr’s basketball IQ to be put to the real test
Steve Kerr has one of the biggest challenges of his career ahead after the extent of Stephen Curry’s injury was revealed.
Curry is set to miss the next three games at least, leaving the Warriors in a tough predicament as they look to hold onto their series advantage.
Kerr has been blessed by the way Buddy Hield has stepped up in the past two games, and he has to figure out a way to keep his consistency.
He also needs to keep Draymond Green’s offensive output, double digits in the past two games for the first time in the playoffs this season.
While his real miracle will be if he can get Pat Spencer making an impact, with Kerr vowing the former lacrosse star will get an increase in minutes with Curry on the sidelines.
If any coach in the NBA can bridge the challenge of Curry being out, it is undoubtedly Kerr.
