The Golden State Warriors made history on Thursday night, becoming the first NBA team to play 14 players in the first half of a playoff game since at least 1998. This unusual strategy unfolded during their 117-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference second-round series, held in Minneapolis.
With star player Stephen Curry sidelined for at least a week due to a left hamstring strain, Warriors coach Steve Kerr opted for a unique approach. "Our plan going into it was to play multiple guys, and we did that. I think we played 14 guys in the first half. Part of the reasoning is fatigue from traveling and playing games," Kerr explained. The roster featured a mix of veterans and younger players, including Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Quinten Post, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, Braxton Key, Kevin Knox II, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, and Pat Spencer.
Despite the experimental lineup, the Warriors struggled significantly, trailing the Timberwolves 56-39 at halftime. The first quarter was particularly dismal, with Golden State scoring just 15 points—their lowest first-quarter score in the playoffs since Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals, where they managed only 11 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Kerr acknowledged the team's slow start, noting, "I think the biggest lesson is don’t start off in a hole like we did tonight, and the game maybe could have ended up a little bit differently." The Warriors finally broke their scoring drought nearly five minutes into the game, with Butler hitting a three-pointer to make it 13-3.
Among the players stepping up in Curry's absence was Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 18 points and made a significant impact off the bench. Trayce Jackson-Davis also contributed with 15 points, shooting an impressive 6-for-6 from the field. Together, Kuminga and Jackson-Davis combined to hit 14 of their 17 shot attempts, showcasing their potential as the Warriors navigate this challenging playoff series without their leader.
However, the game was not without its tensions. Green received a technical foul for elbowing Timberwolves center Naz Reid in the second quarter. Kerr pulled Green shortly after to help deescalate the situation, emphasizing the need for composure. "He’s going to have to stay composed. Obviously, we need that, and I’m sure he will, because he understands the situation we’re in," Kerr stated. Green's intensity is often a double-edged sword; it fuels his competitive spirit but can lead to moments of recklessness.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, capitalized on the Warriors' struggles. Minnesota's Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle were key contributors, helping their team to a commanding lead. Edwards, in particular, was a standout performer, consistently finding ways to score against the Warriors' defense.
As the best-of-seven series now shifts to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4, the Warriors face an uphill battle. With Curry's absence looming large, they must quickly adapt and find a way to rebound from this loss. The upcoming games will be crucial, not only for the series outcome but also for the morale of a team that has relied heavily on Curry's leadership and scoring ability.
In the wake of the game, the Warriors will need to regroup and reassess their strategy. The coaching staff's decision to experiment with a larger lineup paid off in some respects, but the execution fell short against a determined Timberwolves squad. As Kerr noted, the team's focus must now shift to maintaining their composure and executing their game plan effectively.
With the playoffs in full swing and tensions running high, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Warriors respond in the next two games. Will they find a way to rally without their star player, or will the Timberwolves continue to dominate? Only time will tell as this intriguing playoff matchup unfolds.
