On Thursday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves seized a crucial opportunity in the Western Conference semifinals by defeating the Golden State Warriors 117-93 at Target Center. This victory not only avenged their Game 1 loss but also tied the series at 1-1, setting the stage for an intense showdown as the series shifts to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4.
With Warriors star Stephen Curry sidelined due to a left hamstring strain, the Timberwolves capitalized on his absence, showcasing a dominant performance from the start. Minnesota raced out of the gate, scoring the game’s first 13 points and establishing an early 20-5 lead. The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 2-for-12 from the field in the opening quarter, which set the tone for the rest of the game.
Julius Randle was the standout player for the Timberwolves, contributing 24 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around play was instrumental in leading Minnesota to victory. Randle's performance was complemented by Jaden McDaniels, who not only scored 16 points but also played a pivotal role defensively, limiting Jimmy Butler to just 17 points. McDaniels recorded three steals and three blocks, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor.
Despite a brief scare when star shooting guard Anthony Edwards suffered an ankle injury after being stepped on by Trayce Jackson-Davis, he returned to the game and scored 10 points in the fourth quarter. Coach Chris Finch expressed concern about Edwards' injury but was relieved to see him back on the court. “One thing about Ant is he’s not gonna sit out,” teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker said. “He’s got to be damn near dead.”
As the game progressed, the Timberwolves maintained control, stretching their lead to as much as 25 points. They finished the game shooting 43.2% from three-point range, hitting 16 of their 37 attempts. This marked a significant improvement from their previous outing, where they struggled from deep.
On the other side, the Warriors faced challenges without Curry, who is a central figure in their offensive scheme. Coach Steve Kerr experimented with his lineup, utilizing 14 players throughout the game. “Part of the game plan coming in was to play a lot of people and we did,” Kerr said. “We have to figure out what we’re going to be able to do in this series without Steph.”
Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis stepped up in Curry's absence, with Kuminga scoring a team-high 18 points and Jackson-Davis contributing 15 points on an impressive 6-for-6 shooting. However, the Warriors’ overall performance was lackluster, as they recorded their lowest first-quarter score in playoff history with just 15 points.
Draymond Green also found himself in trouble, receiving a technical foul for the fifth time this postseason. He now sits two technical fouls away from an automatic one-game suspension, raising concerns about his availability in the upcoming games. “He’s going to have to be careful now. We need him,” Kerr remarked.
As the series transitions to the Chase Center, both teams will need to adjust their strategies. The Timberwolves will look to build on their momentum, while the Warriors must regroup quickly to regain their footing without their star player. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric as the two teams clash once again on Saturday night.
Fans have expressed mixed feelings about Kerr’s coaching decisions during the loss, with many criticizing his rotation choices. Some took to social media to voice their frustration, suggesting that the coach’s strategies have not aligned with the team’s needs in the playoffs. As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on Kerr to see how he navigates the challenges of the postseason without Curry.
With the series tied 1-1, the upcoming games will be pivotal for both teams. The Timberwolves are eager to capitalize on their recent success, while the Warriors will need to dig deep and find a way to compete at a high level in Curry’s absence. The intensity of the playoffs is palpable, and fans can expect nothing less than a thrilling contest as the teams head to San Francisco.
As the clock ticks down to Game 3, the pressure mounts. Both teams are aware of the significance of this matchup, and the outcome could very well dictate the direction of the series. Will the Timberwolves continue their winning ways, or will the Warriors bounce back and reclaim their dominance? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the excitement of the NBA playoffs is far from over.
