MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Timberwolves seized a crucial opportunity on Thursday night, defeating the Golden State Warriors 117-93 in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series. This victory not only balances the series at one game apiece, but also injects momentum into the Timberwolves as they prepare for the next phase in San Francisco.
From the outset, Minnesota established its dominance, racing to a 13-point lead before the game was even five minutes old. The Warriors struggled early, with their shooting faltering as they managed just two successful shots from the floor in the opening quarter. Julius Randle, the standout for Minnesota, recorded a double-double with 24 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, providing the stability the team desperately needed.
While the Timberwolves maintained control for most of the game, they faced a momentary scare midway through the second quarter when star guard Anthony Edwards was sidelined after an awkward landing. Head coach Chris Finch expressed concern for Edwards, admitting that he anticipated the worst. However, the 23-year-old returned to the court after halftime, showcasing determination despite a lingering ankle injury.
Golden State’s performance was hindered without their star player Stephen Curry, who remained sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Coach Steve Kerr had to experiment with different lineups, noting that some players stepped up to fill the void left by Curry. Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis emerged as key contributors off the bench, with Kuminga leading the Warriors with 18 points and Jackson-Davis adding a perfect six-for-six from the field for 15 points.
Minnesota’s defense shone through, particularly with Jaden McDaniels effectively limiting Jimmy Butler’s impact on the game. Despite the Warriors closing the gap in the third quarter, Minnesota answered with timely three-pointers to push the lead back into double digits.
Warriors forward Draymond Green’s frustration boiled over during the game, as he picked up a technical foul that put him dangerously close to a potential suspension. Green’s emotional outburst highlighted the mounting pressure on Golden State, already struggling without their lead scorer.
The Timberwolves made significant improvements in their shooting performance compared to their previous games. After setting a record low in playoff three-point shooting, they bounced back with remarkable efficiency, converting a commendable 43.2 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc. This resurgence will be vital as they aim to maintain this level of play going forward.
With the series shifting to San Francisco for Game 3, both teams have much to consider. Minnesota has proven they can rise to the occasion in a must-win situation, while Golden State will need to adapt quickly if they hope to reclaim control of the series. The challenge lies ahead, with stakes higher than ever as the two teams prepare for a critical showdown.