The Golden State Warriors were at a massive rest disadvantage and on the road in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They were forced to play the entire second half without the best player in franchise history. Yet, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr came away with a classic “Strength in Numbers” 99-88 victory to take a 1-0 series lead.
Steph Curry immediately found it easier to get open shots without the Rockets defense on the other side. Curry had a game-high 8 points in the first quarter, and had missed a pair of open threes.