Butler to 'Hold the Fort'

Coach relies on forward in Curry's absence, is confident Warriors can adapt in play-offs

- 

MINNEAPOLIS — Stephen Curry is out. The Golden State Warriors hope their shots keep going in.

The Warriors face their first full-game test without Curry when they tip off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Western Conference semi-final series on May 8 (May 9, Singapore time) in Minneapolis. Golden State have a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series and seek to steal a second straight victory at the Target Centre.

However, it will not be easy without Curry, who injured his left hamstring in the second quarter of the series opener on May 6. The four-time NBA champion scored 13 points in 13 minutes before he sustained the injury, which is expected to keep him out for at least one week.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed confidence that the rest of the team could keep thriving, though Curry has not missed a play-off game since Game 1 of the 2018 Western Conference semi-finals against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Since 2013, the Warriors are 104-51 in the play-offs with Curry in the line-up and 9-3 without him.