The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year after a dominant 121-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. This marks a significant milestone for the Timberwolves, who continue to thrive even after trading franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns.
Timberwolves vs Warriors: Game 5 Recap
In this crucial Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs 2025 Western Conference Semifinals, the Timberwolves secured their fourth straight win to close the series 4-1 against the Warriors. The momentum shifted drastically in Minnesota’s favor after Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the series, significantly weakening Golden State’s offensive firepower.
Julius Randle, one of the key assets acquired in the Towns trade, delivered a standout performance with 29 points on 13-of-18 shooting, adding eight rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards continued his breakout postseason by contributing 22 points and a playoff career-high 12 assists, showcasing his evolution as Minnesota’s go-to star.
Timberwolves Dominate from Start to Finish
Minnesota controlled the game from the opening minutes, never trailing after taking an early lead two-and-a-half minutes into the first quarter. A decisive second-quarter run created a double-digit gap that the Warriors never managed to close. With six players scoring in double figures, the Timberwolves showed the kind of depth and chemistry that make them serious title contenders.
Anthony Edwards Leads New Era of Timberwolves Basketball
This year’s playoff run highlights a new chapter in Minnesota Timberwolves history. Gone are the days of the twin-towers experiment with Towns and Rudy Gobert. Instead, the team now thrives with a more balanced, versatile roster led by Anthony Edwards and supported by key contributors like Julius Randle.
With 17 wins in their last 21 regular-season games and 8 of 10 in the playoffs, the Timberwolves are showing consistency, resilience, and playoff readiness. They await the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets series, which OKC currently leads 3-2.
Stephen Curry Injury Derails Warriors’ Playoff Hopes
The Warriors entered the NBA Playoffs 2025 looking like potential title contenders, especially after acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline. The trio of Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green looked dangerous—until Curry’s hamstring injury shifted the balance of the series.
Without Curry, Golden State’s offense faltered, failing to score 100 points in the first three games of the series against a Timberwolves defense ranked sixth in regular-season efficiency. Even a return to San Francisco for Game 4 wasn’t enough to revive their championship hopes. To make matters worse, Butler reportedly battled an illness in Game 5.
What’s Next in the 2025 NBA Playoffs?
The Minnesota Timberwolves now look ahead to the Western Conference Finals, where they will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets. Regardless of the opponent, the Timberwolves have made it clear they are not just playoff participants—they are legitimate NBA Finals contenders.
Stay tuned for more NBA Playoffs 2025 coverage as the Timberwolves continue their remarkable postseason journey.
