Game Two between the Timberwolves and Warriors is when things really started to feel real. Minnesota came out like a team that was tired of hearing the noise after losing Game One. And with Steph Curry injured, they saw an opening—and pounced on it.
Without Curry running the offense, Golden State just looked… off. Jimmy Butler tried to pick up the slack. Jonathan Kuminga had some moments. Trayce Jackson-Davis gave it a go. But let’s be honest—none of them could keep pace with what Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle were doing for Minnesota. The Wolves had the edge in energy, in hustle, and yeah, in defense too. Rudy Gobert locked down the paint, and the Warriors couldn’t find a rhythm no matter how hard they searched.
Edwards was slicing through defenders like they weren’t even there, and Randle stretched the floor just enough to make things uncomfortable for the Warriors’ defense. Draymond Green was doing his best to rally the troops—yelling, pushing, shoving, doing all the classic Draymond things—but the vibe just wasn’t right. Without Steph, they were a step behind all night.
So, Minnesota took Game Two. Series tied 1-1. But suddenly? All the momentum swung to the Timberwolves. And if Curry couldn’t get back soon, you could already feel the topic of a gentleman’s sweep creeping into the conversation.
Back in San Francisco for Game Three there was a totally different feel. You could tell Golden State wasn’t going down quietly, even with Curry still in street clothes. Jimmy Butler got going early—that was huge—and Kuminga played maybe his best game of the playoffs so far. Draymond was fired up, and both Kuminga and Buddy Hield gave them solid minutes off the bench.
But the Timberwolves didn’t blink. They were steady, calm, and totally in control. Edwards kept coming up clutch, hitting big shots at just the right time. Randle stayed consistent. Gobert? Still a wall in the paint. And when Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels hit threes right when the Warriors looked like they might make a push? Yeah, those were like daggers.
Golden State battled, no doubt about it. But without Steph, the ceiling just isn’t high enough. Minnesota walked away with Game Three and took a 2-1 lead.
Then came Game Four tonight in San Francisco, the Warriors had their backs against the wall. And for a while, it looked like they might claw their way back into the series. The crowd was loud, the energy was there, and they kept it close into the third quarter.
But man, Minnesota just wouldn’t budge.
Butler started off strong, then cooled down. Hield kept attacking, which you’ve gotta respect—but his shots stopped falling late. Draymond was doing his thing, trying to spark something emotionally, and Gary Payton II came up with some big steals. Kuminga brought the juice. But again… that giant Steph Curry-shaped hole in their offense? It’s just too much.
And then there’s Anthony Edwards. This guy’s a star, plain and simple. He was hitting tough shots the entire game, slowing the game down when needed, and drilling a dagger three that sucked the life right out of Chase Center. Randle was big too, not just scoring but pulling the defense his way and letting others eat. Just like that, the Warriors are down 3-1.
Here’s the thing, folks: Unless Curry comes out on Wednesday looking like he just time-traveled from 2016, it’s hard to imagine this thing going past Game Five. Minnesota smells blood, and they look ready to close it out.
With that… Now we wait. A couple more days, holding out hope that Butler, Green, and Kuminga can somehow force a Game Six. But from what we’re hearing? Curry’s still not likely to suit up.
If you can’t play with them, then root for them!