- Golden State took a 1-0 lead in the series after defeating Minnesota 99-88 in Game 1
- Stephen Curry left the game in the second quarter with a left hamstring strain
- Buddy Hield led the Warriors with 24 points and 5 three-pointers
Key Takeaways:
Golden State Warriors opened their NBA playoff second-round series with a 99-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Steve Kerr’s team controlled the game at the Target Center for most of the night, overcoming a brief scare in the final quarter to secure the win and take a 1-0 lead in the series. However, the triumph came at a cost, as Stephen Curry exited the game in the second quarter with a left hamstring strain.
Handled business. pic.twitter.com/SOituk9iKu
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 7, 2025
The clash began with a balanced exchange between the two teams. Rudy Gobert and Stephen Curry led the scoring for their respective sides, and the Timberwolves managed to carve out a four-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
The second period saw a drastic shift in momentum. Golden State mounted a swift comeback, with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry leading the charge. The Timberwolves’ offense stalled, while the Warriors surged ahead to take a 44-31 lead at halftime.
Despite Curry’s departure, the Warriors did not lose their grip on the game. Buddy Hield stepped up in the third quarter, taking on the scoring mantle as Golden State continued to stretch their advantage. Minnesota’s offensive struggles persisted, and the Warriors ended the third period with a 20-point cushion.
The Timberwolves made a final push in the fourth quarter, with Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards leading a brief resurgence. They managed to reduce the deficit to single digits, but Jimmy Butler and Hield responded with decisive baskets, quickly restoring Golden State’s double-digit lead and sealing the victory.
Buddy Hield finished as the game’s top scorer for Golden State with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 three-pointers. Jimmy Butler added 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Draymond Green contributed 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Stephen Curry managed 13 points before his early exit.
Anthony Edwards was Minnesota’s best performer, leading his team with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Naz Reid contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds, Julius Randle recorded 18 points and 6 assists, and Jaden McDaniels added 12 points.
Game 2 will also be held in Minnesota, with the Warriors looking to maintain their momentum despite the uncertainty surrounding Curry’s injury.