Golden State Warriors Defeat Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1
The Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves played Game 1 of the NBA’s Western Conference Semifinals at the Target Center on Tuesday. The Warriors defeated the Timberwolves 99-88 in regulation. Golden State leads the series 1-0.
Golden State Warriors-Minnesota Timberwolves Recap
The Golden State Warriors’ injury report was empty. The Warriors’ starting lineup featured Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green. Curry exited the game during the second quarter after suffering a left hamstring injury.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ injury report reported that Rob Dillingham was out with a right ankle sprain. The Timberwolves’ starting lineup featured Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. Some of the Minnesota Vikings players and coaches were in attendance.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Gary Payton II impressed with an assist to Curry for the 3-point shot from beyond the arc. Green became the 15th player in NBA history to reach 1,000 career playoff assists. Randle scored a 2-point bucket that energized the home crowd. The Timberwolves led 20-18 after the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Warriors’ 22-8 run. The Warriors led 44-31 at halftime.
The third quarter was a high-scoring affair. Pat Spencer — who went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Northwestern, where he lettered in basketball and lacrosse — helped the Warriors’ defense. Edwards succeeded with an and-1. The Warriors led 80-60 after three quarters. The fourth quarter started with the Timberwolves 3-0 run. The Timberwolves maintained offensive momentum, but the Warriors won 99-88.
Warriors-Timberwolves Stat Lines
Hield led the Golden State Warriors with 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Butler III followed with 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Green added 18 points, eight rebound and six assists. Curry had 13 points, one rebound and one assist. Payton II scored eight points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves with 23 points, 14 rebounds and two assists. Naz Reid followed with 19 points, five rebounds and one assist. Randle added 18 points, three rebounds and six assists. McDaniels had 12 points, four rebounds and one assist. Gobert scored nine points and 11 rebounds.
Final Thoughts
The Golden State Warriors previously defeated the Houston Rockets 103-89 in Game 7 of the NBA’s Western Conference First Round on Sunday. Hield led the Warriors with 33 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 24 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
The Minnesota Timberwolves had more time off after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 103-96 in Game 5 of the Western Conference First Round last Wednesday. Gobert led the Timberwolves with 27 points and 24 rebounds, while Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 28 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.
The Warriors and Timberwolves will meet again in Game 2 of the First Round at the Target Center on Thursday. Game 2 will be broadcast at 7:30 p.m. Central on TNT, truTV and MAX. The Warriors will likely tread water on offense without Curry, as hamstring injuries can linger for days or weeks.
