The Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves resume their Western Conference Semifinal series on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Target Center, with Golden State holding a 1-0 advantage after a hard-fought 99-88 win in Game 1. In a contest defined by physical defense and playoff poise, the Warriors flexed their experience by dictating the tempo and frustrating Minnesota’s young core, with Stephen Curry’s leadership and timely shooting once again proving pivotal. Curry, who poured in clutch buckets to stop Timberwolves runs, was supported by a disciplined Golden State squad that executed its game plan on both ends, limiting Minnesota to well below their season scoring average. Draymond Green was a defensive anchor, switching seamlessly and clogging the paint, while Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins delivered two-way contributions that helped neutralize Minnesota’s perimeter threats. Golden State capitalized on turnovers and kept the Timberwolves uncomfortable by forcing tough shots, especially for Anthony Edwards, who finished with a modest scoring total amid swarming coverage. Meanwhile, Minnesota, despite entering the series with home-court advantage and one of the NBA’s best defensive units, struggled to generate offense and looked unsettled under pressure. Karl-Anthony Towns couldn’t find his rhythm, and the Wolves’ bench was largely ineffective, putting extra burden on the starting five.

While the Timberwolves remain a dangerous, athletic team capable of explosive scoring, Game 1 exposed the importance of playoff experience and composure, both of which heavily favored Golden State. The Warriors’ 45-43-3 record ATS and four covers in their last five meetings with Minnesota show their ability to outperform expectations when it matters, while the Timberwolves’ 43-44-1 ATS mark reflects their occasional volatility. Game 2 presents a critical test for Minnesota’s coaching staff to make adjustments—whether that means tweaking rotations, increasing ball movement to avoid isolation-heavy possessions, or making defensive adjustments to better contain Golden State’s screens and backdoor cuts. For the Warriors, the mission remains the same: control pace, let Curry orchestrate, and lean on their collective playoff savvy to outmaneuver a talented but less experienced Timberwolves roster. Golden State knows how to close games, and their ability to make clutch plays late could once again swing Game 2 in their favor if Minnesota doesn’t find a way to make the necessary offensive and defensive adjustments. Expect another gritty, low-possession battle with both teams raising the physical intensity, but Golden State’s early series control gives them the psychological edge going in. If Minnesota can’t respond and defend home court, this series could quickly swing in favor of the battle-tested Warriors, placing them in prime position heading back to San Francisco.