As the Golden State Warriors prepared for their pivotal Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, all eyes were on Steph Curry’s health. The team had announced that Curry would miss the game, but promising recovery updates fueled speculation about his potential return for Game 6, especially if the Warriors could secure a victory in this must-win clash.
However, those hopes were swiftly extinguished when the Warriors faced defeat, losing to the Timberwolves 121-110 at the Target Center, thereby ending their 2024-25 season.
The initial stages of the game unfolded in a tight contest, with both teams exchanging leads. Just before halftime, the Timberwolves shifted the momentum decisively. After the Warriors closed the gap to a mere three points with under six minutes left in the second quarter, Minnesota retaliated with an impressive offensive surge.
Sparked by standout performances from Julius Randle and Mike Conley, the Timberwolves orchestrated a 17-5 scoring spree that expanded their lead significantly. By halftime, the Warriors were facing a daunting 15-point deficit, which the Timberwolves would expertly maintain as the game progressed.
As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, the Warriors attempted a comeback, slicing the Timberwolves’ lead to nine points. Yet, Anthony Edwards swiftly responded with a crucial three-pointer, followed by a powerful dunk from Jaden McDaniels, further solidifying Minnesota’s grip on the game.
Julius Randle capped off a stellar series with a game-high 29 points, shooting an impressive 13-of-18 from the field, while also contributing eight rebounds and five assists. Minnesota’s starters were on fire, with Edwards notching 22 points and a playoff career-high 12 assists.
On the Warriors’ side, Brandin Podziemski turned in his strongest performance yet, netting 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including four three-pointers, alongside six rebounds and four assists during a demanding 39-minute stint. Jonathan Kuminga also rose to the occasion, scoring 26 points, continuously contributing beyond 23 points in three straight games while Curry sat out.
In contrast, Jimmy Butler had a quieter outing, finishing with 17 points on 4-of-11 shooting, supplemented by six rebounds, six assists, and three steals over 42 minutes.
The Warriors now reflect on a season that concluded with a 48-34 record, pondering their exit in the second round of the playoffs as they approach a crucial offseason filled with decisions and potential changes.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
