With Steph Curry sidelined in Game 1, Shaquille O’Neal says that the ending might be close while Golden State should rest their star again — even if he’s cleared.
The Golden State Warriors escaped with a gritty Game 1 win against the Timberwolves, but what matters now isn’t the scoreboard — it’s Stephen Curry’s health.
After Curry exited the game with a left hamstring strain, Shaquille O’Neal didn’t hesitate to weigh in on what the Warriors should do next. For the Hall of Famer, it’s not about guts or legacy — it’s about strategy.
“It’s chess, not checkers.”
“Probably going to sit him out Game 2 no matter what”
Speaking during the TNT halftime show, O’Neal called Curry’s injury “crucial” and expressed concern over the wear and tear on the 36-year-old guard whose ending might be close.
“Older, maybe starting to break down.” He said with a sad face “He moves a lot for a 36–37-year-old. This could be crucial.”
But for Shaq, the win in Game 1 changes everything. The Warriors weren’t supposed to steal a road game — and now that they have, it buys them time.
“We won tonight, so we did what we were not supposed to do. However we got it done. So probably going to sit him out Game 2 no matter what until we get all the details.”
Shaq believes resting Curry for at least one more game is the smartest play — and if the Warriors go up 2–0?
“Rest him again.”
Without Steph? “They’re just a regular team”
Shaq didn’t sugarcoat what losing Curry means for the Warriors.
“If you don’t have Steph, it’ll definitely be a different game. But without Steph, they’re just a regular team.”
Still, he sees a path forward. O’Neal pointed to Buddy Hield and Jimmy Butler as key figures who need to absorb more of the offensive load in Curry’s absence.
“Buddy Hield’s probably going to be that guy. He didn’t shoot well in the first half, but he picked up in the second. Jimmy’s going to take more of the offensive load. He went 7-for-20 tonight.”
His message: it’s not ideal, but it’s doable — if Golden State plays it smart.
Big Picture: Don’t Gamble Steph’s Health
Curry is set to undergo an MRI, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that he’s dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. While the Warriors haven’t announced his status for Game 2, Shaq’s opinion is clear:
“Give him a couple more days of rest. Possibly bring him back for Game 3.”
Golden State’s Game 1 win may have bought them breathing room. The next move? According to Shaq, it’s not about playing hero ball — it’s about playing the long game.
“It’s chess, not checkers.”
