Timberwolves Dominant Over Warriors 117-93: Key Takeaways from Game 2 Without Steph Curry

The Minnesota Timberwolves leveled the Western Conference semifinal by comfortably beating the Golden State Warriors 117-93 at Target Center on Thursday. The Warriors played without their star, Stephen Curry, who was sidelined with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

Anthony Edwards sparked concern when he injured his left ankle but made a quick recovery. After a block by Trayce Jackson-Davis sent him down, he returned for the second half and assured fans, “Feeling great.”

Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24 points and achieved a postseason best of 10 assists. Both Edwards and Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 20 points each.

In contrast, Jonathan Kuminga shone for the Warriors with 18 points, while Jimmy Butler added 17, and Buddy Hield and Jackson-Davis each scored 15. Game 3 is set for Saturday in San Francisco.

Julius Randle shows off the finesse AND power 💪

He’s got 16 PTS in the first half of Game 2 on TNT!

Warriors (1-0) Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/jO9QHwaxsV

— NBA (@NBA) May 9, 2025

Timberwolves’ Defensive Strategy Shines

The Timberwolves relied on strong defense to even the series. They managed to contain the Warriors, even though Golden State was within 12 points at one point. Edwards struggled with a sprained ankle, shooting 6-for-13, while Rudy Gobert faced challenges, scoring just five points.

To win, the Timberwolves will need to maintain their defensive pressure. Jaden McDaniels played a crucial role in limiting Jimmy Butler’s impact. Mike Conley and Alexander-Walker were effective against Hield, leaving him struggling at 5-for-14 shooting. This defensive strategy could prove vital in the series, especially without Curry. — Jon Krawczynski, Timberwolves beat writer

Warriors’ Struggles Without Curry

The Warriors faced issues offensively without Curry. Their slow start included just 15 points in the first quarter and five scoreless minutes at the beginning of the game. Coach Steve Kerr explored options, giving 14 players a chance to step up. Kuminga responded well, shooting 8-of-11 for 18 points, while Jackson-Davis also made impactful contributions. Both players may play a significant role moving forward.

While Butler had a decent performance, his scoring volume will need to increase if the Warriors hope to win without Curry. He only attempted 13 shots, which could hinder their chances. — Anthony Slater, senior NBA writer

Breakthrough for Alexander-Walker

Nickeil Alexander-Walker finally broke through after struggling early in the playoffs. He previously shot just 24% from the field, but in Game 2, he scored 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting, including four 3-pointers. His resurgence is pivotal for the Timberwolves, making them tougher to defend. The team improved their overall shooting from beyond the arc to 41% after struggling in earlier games.

Overall, this pivotal match highlights how crucial defensive tactics can be in the playoffs, especially when stars are missing. As the series continues, teams will need to adapt quickly, learn from these games, and make the necessary adjustments.

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