The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors prepare to square off in Game 4 of their Western Conference Semifinal series on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Chase Center in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive and potentially series-defining matchup, with Minnesota holding a narrow 2-1 lead after three tightly contested games. The Timberwolves opened the series with a statement win and followed it up with a dominant 112-88 blowout in Game 2, before the Warriors clawed back in Game 3 with a gritty 105-98 home victory that reminded everyone of their veteran mettle and ability to respond under pressure. The series has highlighted the strengths of both teams—Minnesota’s suffocating defense and young star power versus Golden State’s depth, experience, and resilience despite the absence of their franchise centerpiece Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined with injury. The Timberwolves, finishing sixth in the West during the regular season, have surged behind the electric play of Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 30.2 points per game in the postseason while carrying the scoring load and emerging as a legitimate two-way superstar with his improved shot selection and defensive engagement. Alongside Edwards, the Timberwolves have benefited from the inside-out threat of Karl-Anthony Towns, the paint presence of Rudy Gobert, and timely contributions from a deep bench that includes Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley Jr., whose veteran savvy has stabilized key stretches. Defensively, Minnesota has smothered Golden State at times, holding opponents to 109.3 points per game and using length, mobility, and well-timed rotations to contest shots and close driving lanes, particularly effective against the Warriors’ usually fluid perimeter game.

On the flip side, Golden State has had to reinvent itself without Curry, leaning heavily on midseason acquisition Jimmy Butler, who brings leadership and playoff toughness, and the athleticism of Jonathan Kuminga, who has blossomed into a two-way force with his ability to defend multiple positions and attack the rim with conviction. Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins have each had moments of brilliance but have struggled with consistency, a concern that looms large heading into Game 4 where shot creation and defensive integrity will be paramount against a Timberwolves squad that thrives on wearing opponents down over four quarters. The Warriors’ defense has stepped up, limiting opponents to 41.5% shooting over the last three games, and their ability to switch on the perimeter and protect the paint without fouling has been a major reason they’ve stayed in the series. For Game 4, the keys will be whether Golden State can continue to generate offense in Curry’s absence, particularly through ball movement and backdoor cuts, and whether Minnesota can maintain its composure in a hostile environment and find ways to get Edwards clean looks against a defense now zeroing in on him. Special attention will be paid to rebounding and turnovers, two categories that have swung momentum in each game, and whoever wins the possession battle may gain the upper hand. With the Warriors aiming to even the series before it returns to Minnesota and the Timberwolves looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead, expect Game 4 to be a high-intensity, physical chess match with postseason stakes that will demand execution, resilience, and star power at both ends of the court.