The Minnesota Timberwolves evened their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Golden State Warriors with a decisive 117-93 victory in Game 2. The win, secured on their home court, alleviates some of the pressure following their Game 1 loss and sets the stage for a crucial stretch of games in San Francisco.
A significant concern for the Timberwolves was the ankle sprain suffered by their All-Star guard, Anthony Edwards, in the second quarter. Initially listed as questionable to return, Edwards remarkably started the third quarter and played his usual minutes, providing a massive boost to the team’s morale and performance. He finished the game with a solid stat line, contributing 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Edwards’ post-game comment that his ankle felt "great" offered further reassurance to Timberwolves fans.
The Warriors, however, face a much steeper challenge. With Steph Curry sidelined due to a left hamstring strain sustained in Game 1, their offense struggled mightily in Game 2. The timeline for Curry’s return suggests he could potentially be back for Game 5 on Wednesday, May 14th. The Warriors have indicated that he will undergo re-evaluation that Wednesday.
The critical question now is whether the Warriors can withstand the Timberwolves’ attack in Games 3 and 4 without their star point guard. If they can manage to win at least one of these next three games, the extended break before a potential Game 6 on Sunday, May 18th, would provide Curry with additional time to recover and potentially return to the lineup.
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC. The pressure is on the Warriors to defend their home court and prevent the Timberwolves from taking a commanding lead in the series.
One of the standout performers for the Timberwolves in Game 2 was Randle. After a quiet offensive showing in Game 1, he bounced back with a stellar performance, scoring 24 points on 10-for-17 shooting, dishing out 11 assists, and grabbing seven rebounds. Randle’s contribution has been vital to the Timberwolves’ success, and he proved to be a key component in their Game 2 victory.
The article highlights that Randle was somewhat overlooked in the trade that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. However, his importance to the Timberwolves is undeniable. Edwards himself acknowledged Randle’s impact, stating, "When he plays like that, we’re hard to beat."
Looking ahead, Randle has a player option on the final season of his contract in 2025-26. He can choose to become a free agent or exercise the option and earn $30.9 million next season. The Timberwolves will eventually need to decide how much they are willing to invest in retaining his services.
On the Warriors’ side, coach Steve Kerr experimented with his lineup in the absence of Curry. He inserted Quinten Post into the starting lineup, but the move did not produce the desired results. Post played only three minutes and failed to score. Kerr also delved deep into his bench, searching for players who could provide valuable minutes.
Jonathan Kuminga, who had seen limited playing time in the first round against the Houston Rockets, stepped up with 18 points. Trayce Jackson-Davis also contributed significantly, scoring 15 points. Together, they shot an impressive 14-for-17 from the field.
Kerr acknowledged the challenges of playing without Curry, stating, "We have to figure out what we’re going to be able to do in this series without Steph." He added that the game provided valuable insights, saying, "We learned a lot and this game will help us figure out how to move forward." Kerr’s willingness to experiment and assess his options could prove beneficial as the series progresses.
The Timberwolves received strong contributions from their bench players as well. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 20 points, Naz Reid added 11 points and five assists, and Donte DiVincenzo chipped in with nine points and five assists. The trio combined to shoot 10-for-22 from beyond the arc.
Injuries continue to be a significant factor in the playoffs. The Cleveland Cavaliers were without key players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter in their Game 2 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Curry’s injury has a profound impact on the Warriors’ chances in this series.
The article emphasizes the crucial role Curry plays in the Warriors’ offensive system. His ability to space the floor with his 3-point shooting creates scoring opportunities for his teammates. Without him, the Warriors’ offense becomes less dynamic and predictable.
Draymond Green’s performance in Game 2 was underwhelming, scoring only nine points on 3-for-10 shooting. Brandin Podziemski struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 1-for-4 on 3-pointers. The Warriors as a whole shot poorly from 3-point range, converting only 9 of their 32 attempts (28.1%).
Green also collected his fifth technical foul of the playoffs. Two more technical fouls would result in a one-game suspension. With Curry already out, the Warriors cannot afford to lose Green for a game due to suspension.
After receiving a technical foul for an inadvertent forearm to Reid’s head, Green engaged in a heated exchange with the officials, nearly earning another technical foul. Curry and Jackson-Davis intervened to calm Green down and prevent him from being ejected from the game.
Kerr acknowledged Green’s passion and competitiveness, stating, "It’s part of Draymond. The same thing that makes him such a competitor and a winner puts him over the top sometimes." He added, "We know that, and it’s our job to try and help him stay poised, stay composed. But the competition is so meaningful to him occasionally he goes over the line." The Warriors will need Green to maintain his composure and avoid unnecessary technical fouls to maximize their chances of success without Curry.
In summary, the Timberwolves’ Game 2 victory evened the series and highlighted their depth and resilience. The Warriors, facing Curry’s absence and struggling offensively, must find solutions to compete effectively in Games 3 and 4. The series now shifts to San Francisco, where the Warriors will need to defend their home court and hope for Curry’s speedy return.
