Draymond Green explains Warriors’ solution to Stephen Curry’s absence: ‘We won’t panic’

Game 1 of the Western Conference playoff semifinals was bittersweet for the Golden State Warriors. They secured a valuable road win that could prove pivotal in the series, but also lost Stephen Curry, who, according to the latest injury update, will be unavailable for Game 2. In that context, Draymond Green shared an optimistic message looking ahead.

“We won’t panic,” Green said after the game at Target Center when asked how the Warriors would approach the next game without Curry. “We got full confidence in the guys that are on this team — that we can make plays, we can make shots.”

The 35-year-old forward emphasized not just Golden State‘s roster talent, but also the experience and adaptability of Steve Kerr and his assistants to adjust to the situation. “We have the best coaching staff in the NBA. We know they’ll put us in a good spot and let us know what our offense looks like without Steph if we have to go on without him.”

Tuesday night’s game may have offered a glimpse of what Green was referring to. The Warriors had Curry on the court for just 13 minutes, yet still managed to beat the Timberwolves 99-88. Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, and Green were instrumental in the win, combining for 62 points.

Stephen Curry was forced to leave the court before halftime

Butler will take on a leading role, says Green

In the same press conference, Draymond Green spoke about how Jimmy Butler will likely take on a central role in the team’s system to help offset the loss of Stephen Curry. “We know we got a guy that can make that first domino fall in Jimmy,” said the four-time NBA champion.

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“We know what Jimmy’s capable of. Jimmy’s capable of carrying the team,” Green added, before referencing Butler’s track record as the leader of the Miami Heat. “He carried the team to the Finals twice.”

Butler reflects on Curry’s absence

After the game in Minnesota, Jimmy Butler spoke with TNT Sports on the court and made clear just how important Curry is to Golden State. “We want Steph back, I’ll tell you that. It’s hard playing without that man,” the forward said. “But we got one on the road. Came here and did what we had to do. I don’t think you could ask for anything better than to be here and get a dub in Minnesota.”