The Minnesota Timberwolves have tied their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece with the Golden State Warriors, and it was no surprise whatsoever that the Timberwolves won game two. The reason? Warriors point guard Stephen Curry of Akron, Ohio injured his hamstring in game one, and is expected to miss a week.
The Warriors lacked significant energy in game two without their leader, and thus lost game two handily by a score of 117-93 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves in fact won every single quarter. Minnesota outscored Golden State 29-15 in the first quarter, 27-24 in the second quarter, 29-26 in the third quarter, and 32-28 in the fourth quarter.
Five Timberwolves players reached double digits in points. Power forward Julius Randle of Dallas, Texas led Minnesota with 24 points. He had the double-double, as he had 11 assists. Four more Timberwolves reached double digits in points. Shooting guard Anthony Edwards of Atlanta, Georgia and Canadian shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker of Toronto, Ontario had 20 points each, forward Jaden McDaniels of Federal Way, Washington had 16 points, and center Naz Reid of Asbury Park, New Jersey had 11 points.
Minnesota showed in game two that they have significant depth among the starters and supporting cast. A total of 11 players scored a point.
As for the Warriors, they will now need Jimmy Butler to be the face of the franchise with Curry out with an injury. When he was traded from Miami, he was to be part of the supporting cast. Now with the series tied at one, it will be Butler, who will be Golden State’s leader. However, the franchise will clearly miss everything that Curry brings to the table. It is only one week, but one week can feel like one month in the postseason.
