Randle Rises, Edwards Returns, and Wolves Maul Curry-less Warriors to Even Series
The Minnesota Timberwolves took full advantage of Stephen Curry’s absence, overpowering the Golden State Warriors 117-93 on Thursday to tie their second-round playoff series at 1-1. Julius Randle led the way for the Wolves, delivering a well-rounded performance with 24 points and 11 assists, while Anthony Edwards added 20 points and nine rebounds despite a mid-game injury scare.
Edwards suffered a left ankle sprain during a layup attempt in the second quarter and exited the game immediately. Though he sat out the remainder of the half, he returned to start the third quarter and helped sustain Minnesota’s offensive rhythm.
Minnesota came out firing, opening the game on a 13-0 run before the Warriors managed their first points nearly five minutes in, courtesy of a Jimmy Butler three-pointer. The Wolves’ three-point shooting was a marked improvement from their Game 1 loss, going 16-for-37 from deep—more than triple their previous output. Without Curry, the NBA’s all-time leading three-point shooter, the Warriors lacked their usual offensive spark, struggling to find rhythm against Minnesota’s length and athleticism.
Coach Steve Kerr was forced into experimentation, playing 14 different players in a desperate search for a working combination. Jonathan Kuminga (18 points) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (15 points) were efficient off the bench, combining for 14-of-17 shooting, but it wasn’t enough to close the growing deficit.
The Warriors recorded just 15 points in the first quarter—their lowest in a playoff opener since 2016. Things worsened when Draymond Green picked up his fifth technical foul of the postseason after an elbow to Naz Reid. Curry, sidelined with a left hamstring strain, even stepped in to help calm Green during a heated exchange with officials.
With Curry expected to be out at least until next week, the Warriors face an uphill battle against a Timberwolves squad finding their footing at the right time.
