The Minnesota Timberwolves bounced back in a big way, defeating the Golden State Warriors 117-93 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 9, 2025. This victory not only leveled the series at 1-1 but also showcased the resilience and depth of the Timberwolves, especially in the absence of star player Stephen Curry for the Warriors.
With Curry sidelined due to a left hamstring injury, the Warriors struggled to find their rhythm. Curry, who has been a pivotal player for Golden State, averaged 22.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the playoffs prior to his injury. His absence was felt deeply as the team attempted to adjust their strategy without their leading scorer. "Right now, we’re just trying to figure out how to adapt without him," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves took full advantage of the situation. Julius Randle led the charge with an impressive performance, scoring 24 points and dishing out 11 assists, marking his playoff career high in assists. Randle’s ability to step up in the absence of Anthony Edwards, who had suffered an ankle injury earlier in the game but returned to contribute 20 points, was crucial to Minnesota’s success.
Despite his injury, Edwards played for 34 minutes, showing tremendous grit and determination. He managed to score 20 points, grab 9 rebounds, and provide 5 assists, effectively orchestrating the Timberwolves’ offense when it mattered most. Edwards' return after a brief stint in the locker room energized the team and the fans alike, proving that his presence was a key factor in the game.
"I just wanted to help my team win," Edwards said after the game. "It was tough to go down, but I knew I had to come back and make an impact. We needed this win to even the series."
In the first half, the Timberwolves established a solid lead, finishing the second quarter ahead 56-39. Randle's scoring was complemented by contributions from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who also scored 20 points, and Jaden McDaniels, who added 16 points while playing a crucial defensive role. McDaniels, known for his defensive prowess, took on the challenge of guarding the Warriors’ key players, ensuring that Golden State struggled to find open shots.
The Warriors tried to keep pace with contributions from Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 18 points, and Jimi Butler, who added 17 points. Buddy Hield also chipped in with 15 points, but it was clear that without Curry, the team lacked the firepower needed to overcome the Timberwolves.
Golden State's defense faltered significantly, allowing the Timberwolves to shoot 43.2% from beyond the arc, a statistic that proved detrimental in the context of the game. The Warriors' inability to contain Minnesota's offensive onslaught left them trailing throughout the match.
As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves maintained their lead with a series of dunks and three-pointers, effectively sealing the game. Randle and Rudy Gobert executed powerful dunks, while Edwards and Naz Reid hit crucial three-pointers that pushed the lead to as much as 25 points at one stage.
The Timberwolves’ bench also played a significant role, with contributions from players like Reid and DiVincenzo, who combined for 20 points. Their performance added depth to the Timberwolves’ strategy, showcasing the team's versatility and ability to adapt under pressure.
Looking ahead, both teams will meet again for Game 3 on May 11, 2025, in San Francisco. The Warriors will need to regroup and find a way to compensate for Curry's absence, while the Timberwolves aim to build on their momentum and take a commanding lead in the series.
As the playoffs progress, the stakes are higher than ever. With both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses in this matchup, fans can expect an exciting and intense Game 3 in the chase for the Western Conference title.
