Even without Stephen Curry and with Draymond Green struggling with foul trouble, the Golden State Warriors were leading by five points in the fourth quarter and felt confident they could take control of their second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. However, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle had other plans for Minnesota.
Edwards, who scored 36 points, hit a crucial baseline 3-pointer with 1:19 remaining, while Randle posted an impressive stat line with 24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Thanks to their efforts, the Timberwolves pulled off a 102-97 victory, taking a 2-1 series lead.
Despite strong performances from Jimmy Butler, who had 33 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds, and Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 30 points off the bench, the Warriors couldn’t find the same rhythm without Curry. Butler noted that with Curry on the floor, the defense is forced to cover him with multiple players, creating more opportunities for the rest of the team. Without Curry, the Warriors had little room for error, as mistakes and turnovers ultimately cost them.
Kuminga shot 11-for-18, but Golden State continued to struggle without Curry, who is sidelined due to a strained left hamstring that he sustained early in Game 1. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr emphasized that his team would need to rely on defense, but they failed to make the necessary stops in the game’s final moments.
Edwards, who had been dealing with a sprained left ankle, knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with 6:16 left. McDaniels also hit a critical 3-pointer with 3:20 remaining. Randle, who started the game poorly by missing his first four 3-point attempts, eventually found his rhythm and helped the Timberwolves regain momentum.
Minnesota’s coach, Chris Finch, praised Randle’s all-around effort, especially his hustle on rebounds and other small but impactful plays. Hield’s 3-pointer with 1:56 left cut the Warriors’ deficit to 93-89, but Golden State couldn’t capitalize on a turnover by McDaniels moments later.
Golden State struggled with their shooting, missing all five of their 3-point attempts in the first half, though they still held a 42-40 lead at halftime. Hield eventually found some rhythm, scoring 14 points in the second half to help keep the Warriors in the game.
Green fouled out with 4:38 remaining after a controversial call on a block attempt against McDaniels. Frustrated, Green sprinted to the bench and stood there in his warm-up jacket, visibly upset. Trayce Jackson-Davis, who had a strong showing in Game 2, was inserted into the starting lineup but played only 11 minutes despite his solid performance earlier in the series.
