To its credit, it fought through the adversity behind a stout defensive showing and balanced offense with Buddy Hield (24 points and eight rebounds), Jimmy Butler (20 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and two steals) and Draymond Green (18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals) leading the way.

Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield delivered in their own ways the both-ends-of-the-floor production necessary for Golden State to fend off Minnesota for a Game 1 victory after star Stephen Curry went down with a strained left hamstring early in the second quarter.

Golden State Warriors teammates Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield already have something special developing in the months that they have played together.