The Minnesota Timberwolves stormed past the Golden State Warriors 117-93 on Thursday night, capitalizing on Stephen Curry’s absence to even their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece.
Head coach Chris Finch saw his team bounce back from a sluggish Game 1 by setting the tone early, jumping out to a 13-0 lead before the Warriors finally got on the board nearly five minutes into the contest.
Julius Randle led the way with 24 points and 11 assists, providing steady playmaking that helped unlock Minnesota’s improved ball movement and perimeter shooting.
After going cold from deep in Game 1, the Timberwolves caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting 16-of-37 threes — a critical difference with Curry sidelined due to a left hamstring strain.
Anthony Edwards chipped in 20 points and overcame an early injury scare, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker matched his output off the bench with an efficient 7-of-13 shooting performance.
Minnesota’s reserves proved pivotal, outscoring Golden State’s second unit 44-38 and stretching the lead with timely shooting from Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid, who combined for six threes.
Without Curry to initiate offense or stretch the Wolves’ long, switch-heavy defense, Golden State struggled to generate consistent looks and finished with just 15 points in the opening quarter.
Jonathan Kuminga (18 points) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (15 points) were bright spots, combining to shoot 14-for-17, but the Warriors lacked enough perimeter scoring threats to keep pace.
Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield were held to a combined 5-of-13 from three-point range, with Minnesota closing out hard and forcing tough shots.
Draymond Green picked up his fifth technical foul of the postseason after an altercation with Reid, placing him two away from a one-game suspension under NBA rules.
Steve Kerr played 14 different players in a bid to find answers, but Golden State’s offensive struggles and poor transition defense gave Minnesota control throughout.
The Timberwolves shot 50.6% from the field, outrebounded the Warriors 47-42, and finished with 33 assists on 44 made field goals.
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday night in San Francisco, where the Warriors hope to have their leading scorer back on the floor.
