In a crucial playoff series encounter, the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, secured a resounding victory over the Golden State Warriors with a score of 117-110, solidifying a 3-1 lead in the second-round series.
After a first half where the Timberwolves were outplayed, Edwards took the initiative in the locker room during halftime. “I told them ‘We only have two wins’,” Edwards recalled after the game. “I’ve never seen a series end 2-1. I told them we needed two more wins, and at that moment we were playing as if we already had four. We had to fix it because, if we continued like this, we would have lost tonight.”
The Timberwolves’ reaction was immediate in the third quarter, fueled by Edwards, who scored 16 points with impressive shooting efficiency. This performance almost matched the Warriors’ total in that quarter, contributing to a 39-17 run in favor of Minnesota, the largest positive difference in a quarter in playoff history for the team.
In addition to Edwards’ offensive impact, Minnesota’s defense played a crucial role, limiting the Warriors to 36.8% shooting efficiency and out-rebounding them after an unfavorable first half.
He was one of the most vocal players at halftime. He realized what was going on and we needed to improve. Really, it all started with him, setting the tone.
Chris Finch, Wolves Coach
Edwards finished the game with 30 points, 5 assists, and Julius Randle contributed 31 points. Both players have been fundamental pillars for the Timberwolves during their outstanding playoff run.
I know it starts with us, but it’s Ant. Ant is the brightest star in the room… He has that ‘it’ factor. I always try to tell him to be great.
Julius Randle
This was Edwards’ second consecutive 30-point performance in the Western Conference semifinals and the third in the playoffs, solidifying the Wolves’ victory in Games 3 and 4 at the Chase Center.
Jaden McDaniels contributed 10 points and 13 rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 13 points off the bench. The Wolves managed to limit Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to just nine combined points in the second half, after they scored 27 in the first.
Now, the Timberwolves will look to maintain the same intensity from the start of the game on Wednesday, seeking to secure their place in the conference finals for the second consecutive year.
For us, it’s about defending our court, being better, and growing. This is far from over. This will be harder than the first three. It’s about having the focus to do what we need to achieve it.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
