In an exciting NBA matchup, Julius Randle shone with 29 points, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive year. The Timberwolves defeated the Golden State Warriors with a score of 121-110 in the fifth game of the series.
Timberwolves’ Domain
Anthony Edwards contributed 22 points and 12 assists for the Wolves, who now await the winner of the Denver-Oklahoma City matchup. They could have up to five days of rest if the Nuggets beat the Thunder, forcing a seventh game in the other Western Conference semifinal.
Brandin Podziemski stood out for the Warriors with 28 points, his best playoff mark. However, the Warriors played without Stephen Curry, who missed much of the series due to a hamstring injury.
Jonathan Kuminga scored 26 points off the bench for the Warriors, but Podziemski’s performance came late. Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield’s performance was insufficient, especially after leading the victory in the first game of the series.
The Warriors presented a greater defensive challenge than the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, but the Wolves’ ability to score and keep up the pace of play ultimately wore down the Warriors throughout the series.
Rudy Gobert was key near the rim with 17 points, Mike Conley added 16 points and eight assists, and Donte DiVincenzo scored 13 points, contributing to the Wolves having an impressive 77% effectiveness in 2-point shots (36 of 47).
Randle maintained his excellent postseason performance, being a constant source of energy and production. Following a rebound by Jaden McDaniels, Randle converted a layup that extended the lead to 62-47, igniting the fans.
Butler scored 17 points for the Warriors, who managed to cut a 25-point deficit in the third quarter to 99-90 thanks to a three-pointer by Moses Moody. Edwards responded with an immediate three-pointer, and the Wolves’ lead never returned to a single digit.
