As widely expected, the Golden State Warriors looked overwhelmed in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals, especially in the absence of their superstar Stephen Curry. On Thursday night (May 8, U.S. time), the Minnesota Timberwolves capitalized on Curry’s absence and cruised to a dominant 117–93 victory at the Target Center, leveling the series at 1–1.
Despite a promising start to the third quarter in which Golden State managed to cut the deficit down to just seven points, the momentum quickly shifted. Minnesota responded with a punishing run, blowing the game wide open and restoring a 20-point lead before the period ended. Much of this damage came against the Warriors’ second unit, highlighting the glaring depth issues without their primary playmaker on the floor.
Searching Combination Without Curry
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr found himself experimenting throughout the first half, playing all 14 available players in search of a combination that could weather the storm without Curry. With the two-time MVP sidelined due to a hamstring injury—an ailment expected to keep him out until at least Game 5—Golden State was left without its engine on both ends of the court. Curry, dressed in a black-and-red hoodie, could only watch from the bench as his team struggled to find rhythm.
In Curry’s absence, the responsibility to step up fell on several shoulders. Jimmy Butler, one of the veterans in the lineup, contributed a modest 17 points. Meanwhile, data from SBOTOP shows that Jonathan Kuminga somehow making glimpses of brilliance, scoring 18 points and using his athleticism to create scoring opportunities on his own. However, the efforts were not enough to keep pace with the surging Timberwolves.
Mіnnеѕоtа hаd іtѕ оwn іnjurу ѕсаrе durіng the gаmе. Rіѕіng ѕtаr Anthоnу Edwаrdѕ еxіtеd midway thrоugh the ѕесоnd ԛuаrtеr аftеr twеаkіng his left ankle. Hе rеmаіnеd іn thе lосkеr rооm for the rеѕt of thе hаlf, rаіѕіng соnсеrnѕ among fаnѕ. Fortunately fоr the Wоlvеѕ, Edwаrdѕ returned tо ѕtаrt thе thіrd quarter tо a rоаr оf approval frоm thе сrоwd. Hе lооkеd fullу rесоvеrеd аnd wеnt on tо ѕсоrе 13 second-half роіntѕ, іnjесtіng еnеrgу and bаlаnсе into thе Tіmbеrwоlvеѕ’ offense.
Julius Randle’s All-around Display
One of the standout performances of the night came from Julius Randle, who anchored Minnesota’s effort with an all-around display. He finished the game with 24 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds, proving instrumental in setting the tone early and helping his team maintain control throughout.
The Timberwolves also lit it up from beyond the arc, hitting 16 of their 37 attempts from three-point range. Their accuracy from deep, combined with defensive lapses from the Warriors, turned what could have been a close contest into a rout. It was a marked improvement from their Game 1 shooting performance and showed their ability to adjust under pressure.
Now with the series tied 1–1, attention shifts to Game 3, set to be played at the Chase Center on Saturday. The Warriors will be hoping to regain their footing on home turf, but without Curry. They’ll need a near-perfect performance from their supporting cast. For Minnesota, Game 2 was not just a win. But it was a statement that they’re ready to compete at the highest level, even in hostile territory.
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