The Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up for a highly anticipated showdown against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals, set to tip off on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Minnesota. After a decisive victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, the Timberwolves are looking to continue their momentum against the Warriors, who narrowly defeated the Houston Rockets in a seven-game series.
This matchup is particularly intriguing for several reasons, not least of which is the presence of former Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo now suiting up for Minnesota. DiVincenzo spent the 2022-23 season with the Warriors, where he formed a strong bond with star player Steph Curry. However, as the two teams prepare to face off, Curry expressed mixed feelings about his former teammate. "It's been fun to watch [DiVincenzo's growth]," Curry said, "but I don't want to see him do great these next two weeks."
DiVincenzo's journey has been remarkable. After his time in Golden State, he secured a lucrative four-year, $50 million contract with the New York Knicks. His transition to the Timberwolves came via a three-team trade that also involved the Charlotte Hornets, which saw star player Karl-Anthony Towns move to New York. DiVincenzo's stats reflect his impact; in the 2022-23 season, he averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 39.7% from beyond the arc.
As the Timberwolves prepare for the Warriors, the series promises to be physical and intense. One of the key storylines is the ongoing rivalry between Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert. Green, known for his fiery demeanor, has already accumulated four technical fouls in the playoffs and is on the verge of suspension if he receives three more. This could play a crucial role in the series as both teams look to exploit weaknesses and capitalize on each other's mistakes.
DiVincenzo, who has firsthand experience with Green's competitive nature, is expected to play a pivotal role in keeping his teammates composed. He referred to Green as an "ultra competitor" and emphasized that the Timberwolves also have their share of fierce competitors. "Everybody knows that’s the ultimate competitor, and we have them too," DiVincenzo stated, highlighting the confidence within the Timberwolves' locker room.
In the first round against the Lakers, DiVincenzo was instrumental, averaging 8.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 26.4 minutes off the bench. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor will be vital as Minnesota seeks to exploit Golden State's defensive lapses. The Timberwolves have demonstrated their resilience and depth, and they will need every bit of it against a Warriors team that is always dangerous in the postseason.
With the stakes high, the atmosphere in Minnesota is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their team. The Timberwolves are not only looking to advance to the Western Conference Finals but also to avenge their previous playoff exits and establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the league. The series is shaping up to be a thrilling battle, with both teams eager to prove their mettle.
As the game approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Will the Timberwolves continue their playoff run, or will the Warriors, led by the likes of Curry and Green, find a way to stifle their former teammate and secure a spot in the next round? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this series will not be short of drama and competitive spirit.
