Summary:
The Minnesota Timberwolves bounced back with a 117-93 blowout win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals, tying the series 1-1. Anthony Edwards fought through an ankle injury to post 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Julius Randle dominated with 24-7-11. Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 17 points, but Golden State struggled without Steph Curry.
Key Highlights
✅ First-Quarter Blitz:
- The Timberwolves opened with a 13-0 run, holding the Warriors scoreless for the first 5 minutes.
- Randle scored 9 points in the quarter, helping Minnesota take a 29-15 lead.
✅ Edwards’ Gritty Performance:
- Twisted his ankle in the 2nd quarter but returned after halftime.
- Finished with 20 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL—leading the Wolves in toughness.
✅ Randle’s Masterclass:
- Near triple-double: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 11 AST, controlling the game’s tempo.
- Scored 13 points in the 2nd quarter, extending Minnesota’s lead to 17 at halftime.
✅ Warriors’ Offensive Struggles:
- Shot just 39% FG and 8/30 from three without Curry.
- Jonathan Kuminga (18 PTS, 11-8 FG) was the lone bright spot.
Top Performers
🌟 Timberwolves:
- Anthony Edwards – 20 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL (played hurt)
- Julius Randle – 24 PTS, 7 REB, 11 AST (near triple-double)
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker – 20 PTS (key threes)
💔 Warriors:
- Jimmy Butler – 17 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST (improved in 2nd half)
- Jonathan Kuminga – 18 PTS, 5 REB (efficient off the bench)
- Draymond Green – 9 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST (struggled with foul trouble)
Postgame Takeaways
- Warriors’ Weakness Exposed: No Curry = no offensive engine. Relied too much on iso plays.
- Timberwolves’ Game Plan: Dominated inside (52-43 rebound edge) and capitalized on fast breaks.
- Series Outlook: Game 3 shifts to Golden State. If Curry remains out, Minnesota has momentum.
Stats Breakdown
📊 Timberwolves: 51% FG, 14/38 from three, 52 rebounds.
📉 Warriors: 8/30 from deep, 15 turnovers, only 36 points in the paint.
Hot Take:
🔥 “No Curry, no party. Edwards and Randle turned Chase Center’s fears into reality!” 😤
