The Golden State Warriors pulled off a stunning 99-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series on May 6, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Despite losing their star player, Stephen Curry, to injury in the second quarter, the Warriors showcased their depth and resilience against the Timberwolves.
Buddy Hield led the charge for Golden State, scoring 24 points, including five 3-pointers, and contributing eight rebounds and three assists. Hield's performance was crucial, particularly in the third quarter, where he scored 16 of his points and helped the Warriors maintain a comfortable lead.
Jimmy Butler III also had a significant impact, notching a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. His ability to control the game was evident as he dished out eight assists and added two steals, proving his worth as a key player for the Warriors. Draymond Green chipped in with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, despite committing four turnovers.
Initially, the game started with high hopes for the Warriors, as Curry scored 13 points in just 13 minutes, shooting 5-for-9 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. However, his night ended prematurely due to a left hamstring strain, which he sustained while driving for a layup. Coach Steve Kerr later confirmed that Curry would undergo an MRI on his hamstring and described his status as day-to-day, stating, "We’re definitely game-planning for him to not be available on Thursday."
On the other side, the Timberwolves struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the first half. Anthony Edwards, who is typically the offensive engine for Minnesota, had a rough start, scoring only one point in the first half and missing his first ten shots from the field. Despite finishing the game with 23 points and 14 rebounds, Edwards' first-half performance raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was critical of Edwards after the game, stating, "It starts with Anthony. He struggled early and the light went out." Finch further emphasized the importance of Edwards setting the tone for the team, saying, "You’re the leader of the team, and you gotta come out and set the tone. ... If you're shot's not going, you still have to carry the energy. If I've got to talk to guys about having the right energy coming into the opening game of the second round, we're not on the same page."
Despite the early struggles, Minnesota managed to rally in the second half. The Timberwolves trailed by as many as 23 points but fought back to cut the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter. A 13-2 run brought them to within 85-76 with just over six minutes remaining. However, Hield's timely three-pointer halted their momentum, restoring Golden State's lead to 12 points.
Julius Randle contributed 18 points for the Timberwolves, going 4-for-11 from the field but perfect from the free-throw line at 10-for-10. He also added six assists, showcasing his ability to facilitate the offense. Naz Reid had a standout performance off the bench, scoring 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including three three-pointers, and grabbing five rebounds.
Rudy Gobert added nine points and 11 rebounds, but his impact was limited as the Timberwolves struggled to execute their game plan effectively. Finch noted that the team appeared rusty after a five-day break between games, stating, "It didn’t look like us at all. It didn’t feel like us at all."
As the game progressed, the Warriors managed to maintain their lead, ending the third quarter with an 80-60 advantage. Golden State's defense was instrumental in stifling Minnesota's offensive efforts, especially during the second quarter, where the Timberwolves managed to score only 11 points.
Looking ahead, Game 2 is set for Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves will be eager to bounce back, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Curry's availability. All eyes will be on Edwards as he seeks to redeem himself and lead his team to a crucial victory against a resilient Warriors squad.
The Warriors' ability to adapt without Curry will be tested, and the Timberwolves must find a way to capitalize on any potential weaknesses. With the series now underway, the stakes have never been higher for both teams as they vie for a spot in the Western Conference Finals.
