- Timberwolves triple 3-point efficiency from Game 1
- Warriors record lowest playoff first-quarter score since 2016 Finals
- Golden State uses 14 players in experimental lineup strategy
The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a statement 117-93 victory Thursday night, capitalizing on Stephen Curry's absence to even their playoff series against the Golden State Warriors. Coach Chris Finch's squad demonstrated improved defensive intensity, holding the Warriors to just 15 first-quarter points – their lowest playoff opening period performance in eight years.
Julius Randle's 24-point double-double anchored Minnesota's offense, while Anthony Edwards shook off injury concerns to contribute 20 points. The Timberwolves' bench outscored Golden State's reserves 42-28, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker matching Edwards' scoring output through strategic perimeter shooting.
Golden State's offensive struggles without their star guard proved historic. The Warriors failed to score for nearly five minutes to open the game, reminiscent of their 2016 Finals collapse against Cleveland. Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis emerged as a bright spot with 15 points on 71% shooting, but the team's 32% 3-point conversion rate highlighted their reliance on Curry's shot creation.
Minnesota's defensive adjustments proved particularly effective against Golden State's role players. Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski combined for just 11 points, while Draymond Green's fifth technical foul of the postseason nearly triggered an automatic suspension. The Timberwolves' length and switching schemes forced 18 Warrior turnovers converted into 22 transition points.
Three critical factors decided this matchup: Minnesota's renewed focus following their Game 1 film session, Golden State's failed experimentation with deep bench rotations, and the Wolves' strategic targeting of defensive mismatches. This victory marks Minnesota's largest playoff win margin since 2004, suggesting potential for sustained postseason success with disciplined perimeter defense.
Industry analysts note the Timberwolves' performance aligns with recent trends of athletic defensive teams outperforming perimeter-reliant opponents in playoff settings. The Warriors' 14-player rotation experiment – while statistically intriguing – failed to account for Minnesota's ability to exploit inexperienced playoff contributors through physical half-court sets.
Regional sports economists highlight the economic impact of Minnesota's playoff run, with Target Center ticket demand increasing 137% since their first-round victory. This Midwest market resurgence contrasts sharply with Golden State's declining Chase Center attendance, down 11% from their 2022 championship season.