Timberwolves Bounce Back, Cruise Past Warriors Without Curry in Game 2

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minnesota Timberwolves responded to a sluggish Game 1 performance with intensity and focus, much to the satisfaction of head coach Chris Finch.

Fueled by Julius Randle’s 24 points and 11 assists, the Timberwolves dominated the Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors in a 117-93 win on Thursday, evening their second-round playoff series at one game apiece.

The turnaround began during a tough film session the day before, where Finch and his staff challenged the team to raise their level. The message clearly resonated.

Anthony Edwards, who briefly left the game with an injury scare, contributed 20 points as the Wolves rediscovered their shooting rhythm. After a dismal showing from beyond the arc in Game 1, Minnesota sank 16 of 37 three-pointers.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20 points off the bench, helping spark a second unit that went 10-for-22 from deep alongside strong efforts from Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid.

The Warriors, still adjusting to Curry’s absence due to a left hamstring strain expected to sideline him until at least next week, struggled to find offensive rhythm. Jonathan Kuminga (18 points) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (15 points) were efficient, combining to hit 14 of 17 shots, but Golden State trailed 13-0 before finally scoring—on a Jimmy Butler three-pointer.

Coach Steve Kerr experimented heavily, rotating 14 players into the game, but the lack of Curry’s presence loomed large. Without him to draw defensive attention, shooters like Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski were largely neutralized by Minnesota’s long, athletic defense.

The Warriors’ 15-point first quarter was their lowest postseason opening frame since scoring just 11 in the 2016 NBA Finals against Cleveland, according to Sportradar.

Adding to the frustration, Draymond Green picked up his fifth technical foul of the playoffs after elbowing Naz Reid—putting him just two away from an automatic suspension.