The Minnesota Timberwolves tied the Western Conference semifinal convincingly on Thursday, defeating the Golden State Warriors with a score of 117-93 at the Target Center. This victory was particularly significant as the Warriors were missing their star guard Stephen Curry, who was sidelined due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain, ruling him out for Game 2. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves faced their own challenges when Anothony Edwards suffered an ankle injury, but he managed to return to the game after halftime.
During the second quarter, Edwards experienced a scare when he drove to the basket and had his shot blocked by Trayce Jackson-Davis. He immediately fell and clutched his left ankle, necessitating assistance to the locker room. Fortunately, after being evaluated, Edwards returned to the game at the start of the second half and expressed optimism about his condition postgame, stating, “Feeling great.”
Edwards finished the game with 20 points, and Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with an impressive 24 points, along with a postseason career-high of 10 assists. Both Edwards and Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed significantly, each scoring 20 points. For the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga topped their scoring with 18 points, while Jimmy Butler added 17 points, and both Buddy Hield and Jackson-Davis contributed 15 points each.
The Timberwolves showcased their defensive prowess in Game 2, effectively stifling the Warriors' offensive efforts. Although the team aimed to send a clear message to Golden State regarding their chances without Curry, the Warriors remained competitive, closing the gap to 12 points in the third quarter. The game highlighted some weaknesses in shot selection from the Warriors, and both Edwards and Rudy Gobert had nights that fell short of their potential, with Edwards shooting 6-for-13 and Gobert contributing only five points.
Despite these challenges, the Timberwolves intensified their defensive efforts, particularly with Jaden McDaniels limiting Butler's impact on the game. Mike Conley and Alexander-Walker effectively contained Hield, who shot only 5-for-14. As the series progresses, it is clear that the Timberwolves will need to rely heavily on their defensive strategy to secure victories against the short-handed Warriors.
The Warriors faced a significant challenge in Game 2, experiencing a double-digit loss that was anticipated by Las Vegas. They struggled offensively, failing to score in the first five minutes of the game and managing only 15 points in the first quarter. Coach Steve Kerr experimented with a 14-player rotation in the first half, searching for solutions. His adjustments included giving Kuminga extended minutes, where he excelled with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
Additionally, Jackson-Davis emerged as a key contributor off the bench, providing rim pressure with 15 points and six rebounds in just nine minutes. It appears that both Kuminga and Jackson-Davis will play vital roles in the upcoming Game 3. However, the Warriors will need a more aggressive performance from Butler, who finished with 17 points but only took 13 shots, as they seek to extend the series long enough for Curry's hamstring to heal.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been one of the Timberwolves' most consistent players during the regular season, known for his defensive capabilities and reliable shooting. However, he began the playoffs in a shooting slump, hitting only 24 percent of his shots in the first six games. Thankfully, he broke out in Game 2, scoring 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting, including four 3-pointers. His return to form is crucial for the Timberwolves, as a consistent Alexander-Walker poses a significant challenge for opposing defenses.
As the Timberwolves aim for victory, their improved three-point shooting in Game 2, going 15-for-37 (41 percent) after struggling in previous games, indicates they are finding their rhythm at the right time. The upcoming Game 3 on Saturday in San Francisco will be pivotal for both teams as they look to establish control in the series.
