The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the Conference Finals. Against the Golden State Warriors, who once again had to do without superstar Stephen Curry, the Wolves prevailed 121-110 to reach the Conference Finals for the second time in a row.
This is only the third time the Wolves have reached the Conference Finals, after 2004 and 2024, and they didn’t let anything slip in Game 5, winning the series 4-1. Only in the fourth quarter did the hosts let their guard down a little, allowing the Warriors to cut a 25-point deficit at the end of the third quarter to single digits.
A 13-4 run by the Warriors gave the visitors some hope when Anthony Edwards took a seat on the bench, but the Wolves always had an answer and didn’t allow the 2022 champions to mount a comeback. The Warriors simply didn’t defend well enough, Minnesota got too many easy points in the zone (72-50 Wolves) and mercilessly exploited their size advantage.
All of the Wolves’ starters and Donte DiVincenzo (13) scored in double figures, with Julius Randle leading the way with 29 points (13/18 FG). Edwards (22, 8/15, 12 assists) recorded a double-double, his seven turnovers were the only blemish on an otherwise good performance. As a team, the Wolves had 36 assists on 49 field goals, adding a field goal percentage of almost 63 percent.
Warriors lose for the fourth time in a row
Despite their size disadvantage, Golden State collected 16 offensive rebounds but shot too poorly from distance (11/39) to make it exciting. Jimmy Butler (17, 4/11 FG, 9/11 FT) was once again barely visible, with Brandin Podziemski (28, 11/19) scoring the most points instead. Jonathan Kuminga contributed 26 points off the bench.
Despite everything, the Warriors’ season is over. Golden State lost four games in a row after their opening win, while Minnesota is back in the Conference Finals. There, they will face the winner of the series between Oklahoma City and Denver (currently 3-2). The series will start on Sunday, May 18, at the earliest.
