Stephen Curry was ruled out for at least three games after an MRI confirmed a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring.
Golden State planned to reassess him after one week, making Game 5 the earliest possible return in its series against Minnesota.
Curry leaves Game 1 early
The 37-year-old scored 13 points in 13 minutes before suffering the injury early in the second quarter.
He did not return, but the Warriors closed out a 99-88 road victory to take the opening game of the Western Conference semi-final.
Coach Steve Kerr said Curry was crushed by an injury that interrupted a strong run of individual and team form.
No attempt to rush the recovery
Curry joined the next morning’s shootaround but was not ready to take stationary shots.
It was the first significant hamstring injury of his career. He said the muscle had to heal at its own pace and declined to set a target date.
The schedule ruled him out of Games 2, 3 and 4 before the next medical review.
Warriors hand the offence to Butler
Jimmy Butler was expected to control more possessions with Curry unavailable. Other guards and wings also had to create rather than wait for Curry to drive the attack.
Kerr pointed to earlier playoff runs when Golden State adapted successfully without its star guard.
The Warriors had survived Game 1, but replacing Curry’s shooting and gravity over several games presented a far greater challenge against a deep Minnesota defence.
