Nearly win! The Timberwolves 102-97 Warriors, who is the pillar of this game

On May 11, 2025, in the G3 of the NBA Playoff Western Conference Semi-Finals, the Warriors lost to the Timberwolves 97-102 away. At the beginning of the game, the Timberwolves got into the state and scored an 8-2 start to take the lead, but the Warriors scored a 9-0 climax in the last two minutes of the first quarter to tie the score to 21-21. The Timberwolves regrouped in the second quarter, and Reed and Randall made consecutive three-pointers to widen the gap to double digits. However, the Warriors made a 13-1 offensive in the second half of the quarter to complete the overtake. At the end of the half, the Timberwolves were 2 points behind. When he returned from the second half, the two teams began to maintain a tug-of-war, with alternate leads on the field and Hilder hit three three-pointers in this quarter. The two sides were still difficult to solve in the final quarter. At the critical moment, Zhu Meng Green left the court with six fouls. The Timberwolves scored continuously and gained the advantage and finally won the game. After the Timberwolves won at home, they led the series by 2-1, laying a good foundation for advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

What wonderful performances are the stars in today's Timberwolves vs. Warriors? Let's take a look at the game data and you can see it at a glance.

Jaden McDaniels - Small Forward: Scored 15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, 7-4 shot, 4-3 three-pointers, 4-4 free throws.

His performance today can be said to be stable and efficient. Although McDaniels is not the main scoring force of the Timberwolves, he showed comprehensive technical characteristics and ability to grasp critical moments in the game. On the offensive end, his shooting choice was very wise, with 4 goals in 7 shots in the game and 3 goals outside the three-point line. Such efficiency is rare in the high-intensity playoffs. Especially at the end of the first quarter, his key three-pointer stabilized the situation for the team and prevented the Warriors from further improving their momentum.

defensive end, McDaniels performed equally well. One steal and two blocks fully demonstrated his defensive value, especially against Butler's defense. He used his height and wingspan advantages to force the opponent to change his shooting choices many times or directly interfere with the shooting. In a key defense, he successfully blocked Hilder's three-point attempt, which not only directly prevented the Warriors from scoring, but also psychologically encouraged the Timberwolves teammates.

Julius Randle - Power Forward: Scored 24 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals and 4 turnovers, shot 23-10, 3-1 three-pointers, 3-3 free throws.

His performance today is a comprehensive explosion, almost perfectly explaining what a modern NBA power forward should perform. Randall showed a diverse arsenal on the offensive end, and he was able to deal with it calmly whether it was back-to-body singles, face-frame breakthroughs or mid-range jump shots. He made 10 goals with 23 shots in the game. Although his touch was average outside the three-point line, his mid-range jump shot became a nightmare for the Warriors' defense. Especially in the middle of the third quarter, he completed mid-range jump shots under Green's defense, showing his strong singles ability.

What is even more impressive is that Randall is not just a scorer today, he is just as well organized. The 12 assists in the game set a personal playoff high, and many accurate passes to find open teammates, especially the pick-and-roll cooperation with Edwards was almost unsolvable. On the defensive end, Randall also showed his outstanding ability, and his three steals fully reflected his hands and defensive consciousness.

Rudy Gobert - Center: Scored 9 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 turnover, 4-2 shot, 6-5 free throws.

His performance today proves once again why he is the league's top defensive center. Although Gobert's offensive data is not gorgeous and only scored 9 points in the game, his defensive value and rebounding contribution are crucial to the Timberwolves' victory. 13 rebounds (4 of them were in the frontcourt rebounds) fully demonstrated his dominance in the inside, and many second offensive opportunities were created by him. Especially in the first quarter, he grabbed key rebounds in a row, effectively limiting the Warriors' second offensive opportunity. On the defensive end, Gobert's performance is even more impeccable. Four blocks not only directly prevented the Warriors from scoring, but also put great psychological pressure on the opponent. Whenever the Warriors players break through to the inside, they have to consider Gobert's existence, which greatly limits the opponent's offensive choices. Especially against Kumingga's defense, Gobert completed blocking or interfering at critical moments many times, effectively limiting the opponent's inside score.

Anthony Edwards - Pointback: Scored 36 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 28-13 shot, 14-5 three-pointers, and 8-5 free throws.

His performance today was explosive, fully showing the style of an All-Star player. Edwards is almost omnipotent on the offensive end, and he can handle it calmly whether it is an outside shooting, a mid-range jump shot or a breakthrough layup. He made 13 goals in 28 shots in the game and 5 goals in 14 shots outside the three-point line. Such firepower output is rare in the high-intensity playoffs. Especially in the middle of the third quarter, he hit three consecutive three-pointers, which once widened the score and showed his super scoring ability.

What is even more impressive is that Edwards showed an extremely high basketball IQ during the game. His shooting choice is very smart and he can always find an open position to take or break through at the most appropriate time. Although there are not many assists in four, each pass is very accurate, fully reflecting his on-field vision and passing skills. On the defensive end, Edwards also showed great abilities. Although there were not many blocks in one shot, the defensive interference at critical moments forced the Warriors players to change their shooting choices many times.

Mike Conley-Point Guard: Scored 7 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 turnovers, shot 9-3, three-pointers 4-1.

His performance today can be said to be low-key and efficient. As a veteran point guard, Conley showed extremely high basketball IQ and organizational ability in the game. Although he scored only 7 points in the game, made only 3 goals with 9 shots, and only 1 goal with 4 shots outside the three-point line. This scoring efficiency is indeed not high, but his value is far more than that. Five assists fully demonstrated his organizational ability, and he passed the ball accurately and found his teammates in open positions, especially his cooperation with Edwards and Randall.

What is even more impressive is that Conley showed great game control ability in the game. Whenever the Warriors make a wave of offensives, he can always stabilize the situation by controlling the rhythm and organizing the offense. Especially at the critical moments in the fourth quarter, his several key passes and organizational offenses directly helped the team secure the victory. On the defensive end, although Conley did not have steals and block data, his sense of defensive position and experience allowed him to effectively limit the performance of the Warriors' back line.

Naz Reed - Substitute: Scored 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 turnovers, 4-3 shots, 3-3 three-pointers.

His performance today can be said to be a highlight on the Timberwolves' bench. Reed, who came on as a substitute, showed his strong outside shooting ability, and made all three three-pointers in the game. Such efficiency is rare in the high-intensity playoffs. Especially in the early part of the second quarter, he made two consecutive three-pointers, helping the team widen the gap to double digits, showing the firepower support ability that substitutes should have.

In addition to the three-point shooting, Reed also performed quite well in other aspects. 3 rebounds and 2 assists show that he is not only a simple scorer, but also can contribute to the team in many aspects. In particular, his on-field running and off-ball movements have created more space and opportunities for the Timberwolves' offensive system. On the defensive end, although Reed did not have steals and block data, his defensive strength and sense of position allowed him to effectively integrate into the team's overall defensive system.

The Timberwolves' other substitutes performed

To be honest, the Timberwolves' bench performed a bit polarized today! Apart from Reed's outstanding performance, the performance of other substitutes is really unsatisfactory. Walker scored 0 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists in the game, 0 of 4 shots and 0 of 1 three-pointer. Such data is simply optional. Although Divincenzo scored 2 points and 2 rebounds, three turnovers and four fouls were too dragged down, especially that offensive foul, which gave the ball the Warriors in vain.

But then again, the Timberwolves' victory today mainly relies on the excellent performance of the starting five tigers, and the performance on the bench is indeed a bit worrying. If the Timberwolves want to continue to maintain their advantage in the next game, their substitute lineup must be improved, otherwise the team will face huge challenges once the main players have physical problems. Especially when facing a team like the Warriors with a scorer like Kuminga, the Timberwolves' bench lineup must be more proactive and take responsibility rather than relying almost entirely on the starter like today.