Timberwolves Crush Warriors to Tie Series 1-1

The Minnesota Timberwolves evened up their Western Conference Semifinals series with the Golden State Warriors after a 117-93 victory. The series is now knotted up at 1-1 and headed to San Francisco.

With Stephen Curry on the mend nursing a hamstring strain, the Warriors were lifeless offensively. Relegated to the bench for the last few weeks, Jonathan Kuminga led the team in scoring with 18 points off the bench. Jimmy Butler poured in 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, but wasn’t overly aggressive throughout the contest. Coming off his 22-point second-half performance in Game 1, Buddy Hield was held to just 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting.

Frustrations built early, as Draymond Green was whistled for a technical foul in the second quarter. If he receives two more technical fouls this postseason, Green will be suspended for a game.

On the other side, the Timberwolves had their best offensive outing since last round’s Game 1 versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Outside shots were falling early. After going 0-for-15 from beyond the arc in the first half of Game 1, Minnesota got off to a much better start making 8-of-17 first-half three-point attempts.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards injured his ankle in the first half and exited toward the locker room. In his place, Julius Randle stepped up in a big way. Randle stuffed the stat sheet, finishing with 24 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds on 58-percent shooting. His playmaking was key in the offensive explosion. Minnesota’s bench trio — Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo — combined to make 10 three-pointers. Alexander-Walker — who was held scoreless in Game 1 — had a playoff-high 20 points.

Edwards returned in the second half, much to the relief of Minnesota fans. Both teams are dealing with injuries, and it almost certainly will come down to whichever team is healthiest by the end of the series.

With Curry out for the next couple of games, it becomes difficult to envision how the Warriors bounce back. There isn’t enough offensive firepower without him in Golden State’s lineup. If Curry continues to miss games, Butler will have to absorb a larger offensive role. He took just 13 shot attempts in Game 2 — that’s not going to cut it.

Road teams have been excellent in the second round. Minnesota’s Game 2 win was just the second time a home team has won during these Conference Semifinals. The visiting trend could continue in this series, as the Timberwolves will likely be favorites on the road in Games 3 and 4 if Curry is unable to return.