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Posts tagged as “Western Conference Semifinals”

Timberwolves routs Warriors to even series (117 – 93)

May 10, 2025

After an embarrassing Game 1, the Timberwolves delivered a commanding performance, securing a decisive 117-93 victory over the Warriors. It was the opposite of Game 1, where the Wolves started out strong and ended the first quarter with a 14-point lead.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards went down with an ankle injury scare in the second quarter. However, much to the relief of Minnesota fans, Edwards returned after halftime and showed no signs of discomfort, finishing the game with a solid 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with an impressive 24 points and 11 assists, and grabbed 7 rebounds. The Timberwolves displayed a balanced offensive effort and a stifling defense that limited the Warriors.

Without Curry, the Warriors were searching for a way to generate points. Seldom-used Jonathan Kuminga led Golden State with 18 points off the bench. Jimmy Butler was a non-factor in the game even with his 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Warriors also used all 14 available players in the first half, a sign that Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr was looking for ways to offset the absence of their leading scorer.

Adding to the drama, Draymond Green received his fifth technical foul of the playoffs, putting him in danger of a suspension if he gets two more. Despite a brief moment in the third quarter when the Warriors cut the lead to seven, the Timberwolves responded by going on an 11-0 run to regain control and put the game away for good.

With the series now tied 1-1, the series will head to San Francisco for Game 3 on Saturday. The Timberwolves will try to regain their home-court advantage, while the Warriors will need to find solutions to compensate for Curry’s absence as the series continues.

Warriors steals Game 1 from Timberwolves while on the road (99 – 88)

May 7, 2025

The Golden State Warriors drew first blood in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, securing a hard-fought 99-88 victory on the Timberwolves’ home court in Game 1. However, the victory was overshadowed by an injury to their superstar guard, Stephen Curry.  

Curry went down with a left hamstring strain early in the second quarter and did not return to the game. Before his exit, Curry had scored 13 points in 13 minutes, looking sharp and setting the tone for the Warriors’ offense. The incident occurred after he hit a floater, following which he was seen grabbing at the back of his left leg. He immediately signaled to the bench and headed to the locker room.  

Despite losing their “best player”, the Warriors rallied and displayed their championship pedigree. After a close game in the 1st quarter, they managed build a 13 points lead to end the first half. Thanks to the hot shooting of Draymond Green, Buddy Hield and hustle plays of Jimmy Butler, the Warriors are able to create a 20-point separation to end the 3rd qtr.

Draymond Green had a strong all-around game with 18 points (including four three-pointers), 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Buddy Hield led the Warriors in scoring with 24 points and also pulled down 8 rebounds. Jimmy Butler was close to a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr provided an update after the game, stating that Curry is considered day-to-day with the hamstring strain and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury. However, Kerr also indicated that the team is “definitely game-planning for him to not be available on Thursday” for Game 2, acknowledging that it’s “hard to imagine that he would play Thursday” with a hamstring issue.  

The Warriors’ ability to secure this road win despite Curry’s injury provides them with a significant advantage as the series progresses. It buys them some time and reduces the pressure to rush Curry back onto the court before he is fully healthy. However, the extent of Curry’s injury and the potential duration of his absence will be a major topic as the Western Conference semifinals continue.  

For the Timberwolves, dropping Game 1 at home while the Warriors missing the services of Curry is a missed opportunity. It will be a hard Game 2, even though there’s a chance that Curry will be sidelined for a game or two.

Timberwolves will need to make significant adjustments and find ways to generate more consistent offense, especially after a slow start where they missed all 15 of their first-half three-point attempts. Anthony Edwards, though late in the game, eventually found his rhythm in the second half, finishing with 23 points, but the team’s shooting slumped cost them the game.

Naz Reid had 19 points and Julius Randle added 16 points for the Wolves, who finished 5 for 29 from behind the arc and trailed by 23 points late in the third. While Rudy Gobert, the hero of Game 4 against the Lakers, just scored 9 points and 11 rebounds.

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in Minnesota, and all eyes will be on the Warriors as fans awaits the update regarding Stephen Curry’s status and how both teams adapt their strategies accordingly.