The Minnesota Timberwolves secured their spot in the 2025 NBA Western Conference finals with a commanding 121-110 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 on Wednesday night. This victory capped a dominant series performance, as Minnesota won four straight games to close out the series 4-1, continuing their postseason momentum from last year.
Julius Randle Leads Timberwolves with Stellar Playoff Performance
Power forward Julius Randle was the standout performer for the Timberwolves, finishing the series strong with 29 points on 13-of-18 shooting, along with eight rebounds and five assists in Game 5. Randle, acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns away, has emerged as a critical piece in Minnesota’s playoff success.
Shooting guard Anthony Edwards also made a major impact with 22 points and a playoff career-high 12 assists, showcasing his growth as a leader and playmaker. Edwards’ performance helped Minnesota control the game from start to finish.
Timberwolves Take Early Control and Never Look Back
Minnesota grabbed the lead just 2½ minutes into the first quarter and never relinquished it. Despite Golden State’s early resilience, a strong second-quarter run pushed the Timberwolves ahead by double digits. From there, Minnesota maintained control, riding their efficient offense and tough defense to victory.
Warriors Struggle Without Stephen Curry, Butler Battling Illness
The Golden State Warriors were severely hampered by the absence of star guard Stephen Curry, who has been sidelined since Game 1 due to a hamstring strain. Without Curry’s offensive firepower, the Warriors struggled to break 100 points in the first three games of the series.
Additionally, Jimmy Butler entered Game 5 reportedly battling illness, further weakening the Warriors’ chances. Despite contributions from Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State couldn’t overcome the Timberwolves’ balanced attack and tenacious defense.
What This Means for the Timberwolves’ Championship Hopes
This marks Minnesota’s second straight appearance in the Western Conference finals, a significant achievement for a franchise that has never reached the NBA Finals in its 36-year history. After trading away Towns last season and reshaping their roster, the Timberwolves now seem to have found a winning formula centered around Edwards, Randle, and Rudy Gobert.
They will now face the winner of the ongoing series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, with the Thunder currently leading 3-2. Minnesota could also gain a valuable rest period depending on how the Thunder-Nuggets series concludes.
Conclusion: A Team to Watch in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
While some critics point to Golden State’s injuries as a factor, the Timberwolves’ consistency since March speaks volumes. With 17 wins in 21 regular-season games and eight wins in 10 playoff games, Minnesota is proving itself as a formidable contender in the Western Conference. As they prepare for their next challenge, the Timberwolves have solidified their place as a team to watch in the 2025 NBA postseason.
