The Minnesota Timberwolves have done it again. For the second consecutive year, they’ve eliminated the Golden State Warriors in a hard-fought playoff series, this time closing them out in Game 5 to advance to the Western Conference Finals. The Wolves’ dominant performance, coupled with Stephen Curry’s absence due to a hamstring injury, sealed Golden State’s fate in a thrilling NBA playoff showdown.
In this blog post, we’ll break down:
Key moments from the Timberwolves' series-clinching win
How Minnesota’s defense shut down the Warriors
The impact of Stephen Curry’s injury
What’s next for both teams
NBA playoff bracket updates and predictions
Game 5 Recap: Timberwolves Lock Down Warriors to Secure WCF Berth
The Timberwolves entered Game 5 with a 3-1 series lead, knowing that one more win would send them back to the Western Conference Finals. Despite Golden State’s desperation in a must-win game, Minnesota’s defense was relentless, holding the Warriors to just 98 points in a 108-98 victory.
Key Performances
Anthony Edwards – 28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
Karl-Anthony Towns – 22 points, 12 rebounds
Rudy Gobert – 15 rebounds, 4 blocks (anchoring the defense)
Naz Reid (off the bench) – 14 points, including crucial threes
Meanwhile, the Warriors struggled without Stephen Curry, who was sidelined with a lingering hamstring issue. Klay Thompson (24 points) and Jonathan Kuminga (18 points) tried to keep Golden State alive, but the lack of offensive firepower proved too much to overcome.
Turning Point of the Game
The Wolves went on a 14-2 run in the third quarter, fueled by Edwards’ explosive drives and Gobert’s rim protection. Golden State never fully recovered, and Minnesota controlled the tempo the rest of the way.
How the Timberwolves’ Defense Won the Series
Minnesota’s defensive identity was the difference-maker in this series. Here’s how they neutralized the Warriors:
Rudy Gobert’s Rim Protection – The three-time Defensive Player of the Year altered countless shots, forcing Golden State into tough mid-range attempts.
Switching Defense on Curry & Thompson – Even when Curry played, Minnesota’s length disrupted his rhythm.
Transition Defense – The Wolves limited fast-break opportunities, a staple of Golden State’s offense.
Warriors’ Offensive Struggles
No Curry, No Championship Hopes – Without their leader, the Warriors lacked their usual offensive spark.
Cold Three-Point Shooting – Golden State shot just 32% from deep in Game 5.
Turnovers Killed Momentum – The Dubs committed 16 turnovers, leading to 22 Timberwolves points.
Stephen Curry’s Hamstring Injury: A Series-Changing Absence
Curry suffered a mild hamstring strain in Game 3 and was ruled out for Games 4 and 5. His absence was devastating for Golden State, as the team lacked a true closer in crunch time.
What’s Next for Curry?
Rehabilitation & Rest – The Warriors will prioritize his long-term health.
Offseason Decisions – At 37, Curry’s future and Golden State’s roster moves will be under scrutiny.
What’s Next for the Timberwolves?
Minnesota now advances to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year. Their likely opponent? The Denver Nuggets or Phoenix Suns, depending on the other semifinal series.
Keys to Timberwolves’ WCF Success
✅ Anthony Edwards’ Star Power – Can he outduel Jokic or Booker?
✅ KAT & Gobert’s Two-Way Impact – Must dominate the paint.
✅ Bench Production – Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker must step up.
NBA Playoff Bracket Update: Who’s Left?
Eastern Conference Finals
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks (Julius Randle’s status will be key)
Western Conference Finals
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. TBD (Nuggets/Suns)
Championship Odds (Latest)
Boston Celtics (+220)
Denver Nuggets (+300)
Minnesota Timberwolves (+450)
Phoenix Suns (+550)
Final Thoughts: A New Era in Minnesota?
The Timberwolves are no longer just a "promising young team"—they’re legitimate title contenders. With Edwards emerging as a superstar and their defense stifling opponents, Minnesota has a real shot at reaching the NBA Finals.
As for the Warriors, this loss marks the end of an era. With an aging core and no clear path to immediate contention, big offseason decisions loom.
What do you think?
Can the Timberwolves win the West?
Should the Warriors rebuild around Curry?
Who’s your pick for the 2025 NBA champion?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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