SAN FRANCISCO — Despite missing their superstar Stephen Curry and dealing with foul trouble for Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors found themselves with a five-point lead in the fourth quarter, poised to take control of their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on home turf.
However, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle emerged in crucial moments to shift the game’s momentum. Edwards, showcasing his scoring prowess, nailed a crucial baseline three-pointer with just over a minute left, contributing significantly to his 36-point total. Randle recorded an impressive triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, aiding the Timberwolves to secure a 102-97 victory, giving them a 2-1 lead in this second-round series.
Despite Golden State’s efforts, notably from Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga who added 33 and 30 points respectively, the team struggled to find their groove without Curry’s leadership on the court. “Curry always draws multiple defenders,” Butler noted, emphasizing the heightened pressure and precision required in his absence. Kuminga managed an 11 of 18 shooting night, yet the Warriors had to adjust without Curry, who continues to nurse a left hamstring injury incurred in the series’ opening game.
Game four is scheduled for Monday night at the Chase Center. Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr highlighted the necessity of a strong defensive showing, yet crucial defensive stops eluded his team during the later stages. Edwards, showing resilience after a second-game ankle sprain, sank a pivotal three-pointer midway through the final quarter, with teammate Jaden McDaniels adding another from deep.
Randle, starting cold with a 1 of 6 shooting start and missing his first four three-point attempts, eventually found his touch. His score six and a half minutes before halftime sparked a Timberwolves run that prompted a timeout from the Warriors, leaving Randle with a 10 of 23 shooting night. “We needed everything from Julius,” said Minnesota’s coach Chris Finch, lauding Randle’s indispensability to the team’s success.
Buddy Hield briefly sparked hope for the Warriors with a late three-pointer, narrowing the gap to 93-89, but miscommunication and turnovers persisted. The Warriors, despite a slow shooting start, managed a slim halftime lead at 42-40, and Hield’s resurgence in the second half provided some momentum.
Draymond Green’s night ended prematurely with 4:38 remaining, exiting the court after a controversial sixth foul. His frustration was evident as he exited the court to don his warmup jacket at the bench. Following Green’s last game contributions, Trayce Jackson-Davis was included in the starting lineup, but his impact was limited to just 11 minutes despite a standout performance in Game 2.