The Western Conference NBA Playoffs are high drama at all times. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves edged out the Golden State Warriors 102-97 in a nail-biting Game 3, taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the series. The Warriors, still reeling from the absence of their star player, Stephen Curry, put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against a determined Timberwolves squad.
Despite missing their ace, the Warriors fought hard, showcasing a commendable defensive effort. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading leads and momentum swings throughout. Anthony Edwards, who has been on fire in the playoffs, shone brightly once again, scoring 36 points and proving pivotal in the second half. His performance was bolstered by a stellar triple-double from Julius Randle, who contributed 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, helping Minnesota secure the win.
For the Warriors, Jimmy Butler stepped up in Curry's absence, scoring 33 points along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Jonathan Kuminga also had a standout performance, adding 30 points to the scoreboard. The duo kept the Warriors competitive, especially in the first three quarters of the game.
The game began with both teams exchanging baskets, showcasing their defensive prowess. By the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 21-21. The Warriors managed to pull ahead in the second quarter, going into halftime with a slim 42-40 lead. Butler's aggressive play, including critical layups, kept Golden State in the game, while the Timberwolves struggled with missed opportunities.
As the third quarter unfolded, the Warriors maintained their lead, edging out the Timberwolves 31-29 to take a 73-69 advantage into the final quarter. The intensity ramped up as both teams fought for every point, but it was in the fourth quarter that the Timberwolves found their rhythm.
With just over eight minutes left in the game, the Warriors held an 82-77 lead, but the Timberwolves unleashed a furious offensive onslaught, outscoring the Warriors 25-12 in the closing minutes. Minnesota's ability to capitalize on the Warriors' missed shots proved decisive, as they executed their plays flawlessly down the stretch.
Draymond Green, who made history in Game 2 by becoming the 15th player in NBA history to record over 1,000 career playoff assists, struggled to find his offensive rhythm in Game 3. His leadership was still felt on the court, but the team lacked the firepower necessary to overcome the Timberwolves' strong finish.
Game 4 is set to take place in Golden State on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 10:00 p.m. ET. The Timberwolves will enter the game as 5.5-point favorites, with a total points line set at 199.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Warriors will look to regain their footing and even the series on their home turf, but they will need to find ways to score without their star player.
The stakes are high for both teams as they head into the next matchup. The Timberwolves, riding the momentum of their recent win, will aim to extend their series lead, while the Warriors will be desperate to bounce back and show their resilience.
With the playoffs heating up, fans can expect another thrilling contest as the Warriors and Timberwolves clash once again. Will the Warriors find a way to rise to the occasion, or will the Timberwolves continue to assert their dominance? Only time will tell as the drama of the NBA Playoffs unfolds.
