The Minnesota Timberwolves faced a rollercoaster of emotions in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal against the Golden State Warriors on May 8, 2025. Starting strong with a commanding lead, the Timberwolves saw their star guard Anthony Edwards suffer a scary injury that could have derailed their momentum. However, Edwards' resilience shone through as he returned to the court, helping his team secure a decisive victory.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a dominant first-half performance, leading 56-39 at halftime. This was a significant improvement from their previous game, where they only managed 31 points in the first half. Edwards, however, left the game with 5:56 remaining in the second quarter after landing awkwardly following a missed layup. Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis inadvertently stepped on Edwards' left ankle, sending the crowd into a hush.
As the Timberwolves called a timeout, Edwards was visibly in pain, grabbing at his ankle and requiring assistance from the training staff to leave the court. At that moment, it looked like the Timberwolves might be in trouble, especially given that they were already without their own star, Stephen Curry, who was sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Edwards had been dealing with a lower-body injury since the series against the Los Angeles Lakers but managed to power through. Before his injury, he had contributed seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals in just 15 minutes of play.
Despite the setback, the Timberwolves showcased their depth. Julius Randle stepped up in a big way, leading the team with 16 points in the first half. His ability to create his own shot and contribute with his passing made him a vital asset during Edwards' absence. Coach Chris Finch emphasized the need for Randle to take on a leadership role, especially with Edwards out of the game.
As halftime approached, the Timberwolves were in a strong position, leading 56-39, thanks to a sharp shooting performance that included eight three-pointers on 17 attempts, resulting in a 47.1% shooting rate from beyond the arc. Randle's performance, alongside Rudy Gobert's seven rebounds and a +22 plus-minus rating, helped the Timberwolves maintain control.
After the halftime break, Timberwolves fans breathed a sigh of relief when Edwards emerged from the locker room. He had undergone stretching and movement tests with the training staff and was cleared to return to the game. The crowd erupted as he rejoined the lineup at the start of the third quarter, bringing energy back to the arena.
Edwards finished the game with an impressive 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 34 minutes, helping his team cruise to a 117-93 victory. After the game, he expressed his relief, saying, "Feeling great, feeling great," when asked about his ankle.
The Timberwolves' victory not only showcased their resilience but also highlighted the ongoing injury issues that have plagued the playoffs this season. With Curry sidelined for at least a week due to his grade 1 left hamstring strain, both teams have had to navigate the challenges of competing without their stars.
As the series continues, the Timberwolves will look to build on their momentum while keeping an eye on Edwards' health. His ability to bounce back from injury will be crucial as they aim for a deep playoff run. Fans are hopeful that this game will mark a turning point for the Timberwolves, who have shown they can compete at a high level even when faced with adversity.
In the broader context of the playoffs, injuries have become a storyline that teams must contend with. The Cleveland Cavaliers were without key players Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter in their recent loss to the Indiana Pacers, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the postseason.
As the Timberwolves prepare for their next challenge, the focus will remain on maintaining their health and continuing to perform at a high level. With players like Randle stepping up and Edwards proving his toughness, the Timberwolves are showing they have what it takes to make a significant playoff push.
