The Minnesota Timberwolves did exactly what they needed to do in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinals series against the Golden State Warriors. With a dominant 117-93 win, they tied the series 1-1, taking a crucial step forward.
The Timberwolves also dodged a major bullet when All-Star Anthony Edwards suffered an ankle sprain in the second quarter. Initially questionable to return, Edwards came back in the third and played his usual minutes without issue. His quick recovery was a relief for Minnesota, as they’d been counting on his performance.
Now, as the series shifts to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4, the Warriors find themselves in a difficult position. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a hamstring injury suffered in Game 1, the Warriors must find a way to extend the series until their star player returns. The timeline suggests that Curry could be back by Game 5, but only time will tell. Golden State’s best hope is to win one of the next three games, which would give Curry extra recovery time before Game 6 on May 18.
Game 3 is set for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC), and both teams are looking to adjust to the new dynamics of the series. Here are some of the key takeaways from Game 2:
Julius Randle’s Bounce-Back Performance
After a quiet Game 1, Julius Randle came alive in Game 2, putting up an impressive 24 points (10-for-17 shooting), 11 assists, and seven rebounds. Randle, who was part of the trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, played a vital role in Minnesota’s success. He had been an underrated contributor throughout the playoffs, including a solid finish to the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he scored at least 22 points in the final four games.
Teammate Anthony Edwards was full of praise for Randle’s performance, saying, “When he plays like that, we’re hard to beat.” Randle, who has a player option for the 2025-26 season, could choose to become a free agent or opt into the final year of his contract at $30.9 million.
Warriors Adjust Without Curry
With Curry unavailable, Warriors coach Steve Kerr had to scramble to find the right lineups. He inserted Quinten Post into the starting five in place of Curry, but the move didn’t pay off. Post played just three minutes, failing to score, while Kerr also leaned on his bench. Jonathan Kuminga, who had been relegated to a lesser role in the first round, came through with 18 points, while Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed 15 points, shooting a combined 14-for-17 from the field.
“We have to figure out what we’re going to be able to do in this series without Steph,” Kerr admitted. While the Warriors struggled offensively, Kerr was determined to use this as an opportunity to experiment and find answers for the games ahead.
Timberwolves’ Strong Bench Play
Minnesota’s bench made a significant impact in Game 2, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker scoring 20 points, Naz Reid adding 11 points and five assists, and Donte DiVincenzo chipping in nine points and five assists. The bench was especially effective from beyond the arc, shooting 10-for-22 on 3-pointers. Their contributions were crucial in helping the Timberwolves maintain a strong lead throughout the game.
Edwards Avoids Serious Injury
Edwards’ sprained ankle had Timberwolves fans holding their breath, but he quickly returned to form after the scare. He finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Following the game, Edwards confirmed that his ankle felt fine, offering a much-needed sigh of relief to both the team and fans. Injuries have been a common theme in the playoffs, as evidenced by the Cleveland Cavaliers’ losses without key players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Golden State Struggles Without Curry
The absence of Curry was clearly felt on the offensive end for Golden State. Without his 3-point shooting ability to space the floor and open up opportunities for teammates, the Warriors’ offense stagnated. Draymond Green’s scoring struggles didn’t help, as he finished with just nine points on 3-for-10 shooting. The Warriors also struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 9-for-32 (28.1%) from 3-point range.
Draymond Green Faces Suspension Threat
Draymond Green’s frustration boiled over in Game 2 when he picked up his fifth technical foul of the playoffs. He was penalized for an inadvertent forearm to Reid’s head, and his angry response to officials put him on the verge of another technical foul. If Green accumulates two more technicals, he will face a one-game suspension, something the Warriors can ill afford. Coach Kerr acknowledged Green’s fiery competitive nature but stressed the importance of staying composed, especially with the series on the line.
