On Monday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves triumphed over the Golden State Warriors with a score of 117-110, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. This victory puts the Timberwolves one win away from advancing to the conference finals for the second consecutive year, a feat they have never achieved in their 35-year history in the NBA.
In another thrilling matchup, the New York Knicks mounted a spectacular comeback against the Boston Celtics, winning 121-113 and also claiming a 3-1 series lead. After trailing by 14 points in the third quarter, the Knicks showcased their resilience and determination, edging out the Celtics in a closely contested game.
Despite trailing at halftime, the Timberwolves rallied in the second half, outscoring the Warriors 39-17 in the third quarter. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle were instrumental in the win, combining for an impressive 61 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Edwards particularly stood out, scoring 16 of his 30 points during a pivotal third quarter.
The Warriors, missing their star player Steph Curry due to a hamstring injury, struggled to maintain their defensive prowess. Coach Steve Kerr had previously expressed confidence in his team's defense, claiming they had the best in the league. However, the absence of Curry has severely impacted their scoring capabilities, resulting in three consecutive losses.
With this loss, the Warriors now face a crucial Game 5 in Minneapolis on Wednesday, where they must win to avoid elimination. Golden State's struggles have been exacerbated by their inability to score effectively, finishing below 100 points in the first three games of the series and barely surpassing the mark in Monday's game.
The Knicks demonstrated their resilience in Game 4, overcoming a 14-point deficit. Jalen Brunson led the charge, scoring 39 points, while Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby contributed significantly to the team's success. The Knicks' ability to maintain an aggressive offense during the second half was crucial in securing their win against the Celtics.
In a concerning development for the Celtics, star player Jayson Tatum exited late in the fourth quarter with a non-contact lower-leg injury. He was seen in a wheelchair, raising concerns over the severity of his condition. Coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum would undergo an MRI to assess the injury.
Despite Tatum's strong performance, scoring 42 points before his injury, the Celtics' defense faltered in the second half, allowing the Knicks to capitalize and take control of the game.
The Knicks are now just one victory away from their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years. They showcased their ability to compete against the defending champions and will look to maintain this momentum as they travel to Boston for Game 5. The uncertainty surrounding Tatum's injury adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming game.
With both the Timberwolves and Knicks poised for potential playoff advancement, basketball fans can expect thrilling matchups in the coming days as the NBA playoffs continue to unfold.
