The Minnesota Timberwolves took full advantage of Stephen Curry’s absence on Thursday night, storming past the Golden State Warriors 117-93 in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. The dominant performance at home tied the series at 1-1 and showcased a renewed energy from Minnesota.
Julius Randle led the charge with 24 points and 11 assists, while Anthony Edwards added 20 points and nine rebounds, shaking off a brief injury scare after rolling his ankle in the second quarter. Nickeil Alexander-Walker provided a key spark off the bench with 20 points, helping the Timberwolves more than triple their three-point output from Game 1 (16-of-37).
“We knew it wasn’t just our shooting,” Edwards said postgame. “We weren’t playing with our usual defensive intensity. That had to change.”
The Timberwolves exploded out of the gate with a 13-0 run, eventually building a 25-7 lead. Though the Warriors trimmed the deficit to seven early in the third quarter, Minnesota’s consistency on both ends ensured there would be no comeback story.
Head coach Chris Finch praised the effort: “That start was exactly what we needed. It set the tone. Other than a small dip early in the second half, we stayed locked in.”
Golden State Falters Without Curry as Tempers Flare
With Curry sidelined due to a left hamstring strain expected to keep him out at least a week, the Warriors lacked their usual offensive rhythm and leadership. Jonathan Kuminga (18 points) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (15 points) were bright spots, but the team’s opening quarter — just 15 points — marked their lowest in a playoff game since the 2016 Finals.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr threw everything at the wall, rotating 14 players in hopes of finding a spark. But without Curry’s gravitational pull, Timberwolves defenders swarmed shooters like Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski, limiting open looks and stifling movement.
Tensions ran high late in the game when Draymond Green, who had already picked up his fifth technical foul of the postseason, elbowed Naz Reid and continued arguing with referee Tony Brothers. It took Curry himself — in street clothes — to calm him down before things escalated further.
Game 3 is set for Saturday night in San Francisco, where the Warriors hope their home court and potentially healthier roster can swing momentum back in their favor.
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