vs. Warriors: Epic NBA Showdown Stats Breakdown

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors have a storied rivalry that never fails to deliver heart-pounding action. As a lifelong basketball fan who’s spent countless nights glued to the screen watching these teams battle it out, I can tell you there’s something magical about their matchups. The 2024-25 NBA Western Conference Semifinals brought us another chapter of this epic saga, with games that showcased explosive offense, gritty defense, and unforgettable moments. In this article, we’re diving deep into the player stats from their recent series, breaking down who shone, who struggled, and what it all means for both teams. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love the game, this analysis will give you the full scoop in simple, easy-to-read terms.

Why This Matchup Matters

The Timberwolves, led by the electrifying Anthony Edwards, and the Warriors, powered by the sharpshooting Stephen Curry (when healthy), represent two different basketball philosophies. Minnesota’s game is built on tenacious defense and youthful energy, while Golden State leans on veteran experience and a motion-based offense that’s revolutionized the NBA. Their 2024-25 playoff series was a rollercoaster, with the Timberwolves ultimately clinching a 121-110 victory in Game 5 to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

This article focuses on the player stats from this series, particularly Games 1 through 5, to highlight key performances and trends. We’ll explore how stars like Edwards and Julius Randle stepped up for Minnesota, while players like Buddy Hield and Jimmy Butler carried the load for a Curry-less Warriors squad. Let’s break it down.

Game-by-Game Player Stats Breakdown

Game 1: Warriors Steal the Show (99-88)

The series kicked off on May 6, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis. The Warriors pulled off a stunning 99-88 upset, despite losing Stephen Curry to a hamstring strain early in the second quarter. Here’s how the key players performed:

• Golden State Warriors:
  • Buddy Hield: Stepped up big time with 24 points, including 5-for-8 from three-point range. His clutch shooting kept the Warriors afloat.
  • Jimmy Butler: Delivered a vintage all-around game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. His leadership was crucial without Curry.
  • Draymond Green: Knocked down four first-half threes, finishing with 18 points. His defensive intensity set the tone.
  • Stephen Curry: Played only 13 minutes before exiting, scoring 13 points (5-for-9, three 3s). His absence was a massive blow, but the Warriors’ depth prevailed.
• Minnesota Timberwolves:
  • Anthony Edwards: Struggled mightily in the first half, scoring just 1 point. He rallied for 22 points in the second half but couldn’t overcome the early deficit.
  • Rudy Gobert: A force in the paint with 10 points and 12 rebounds, but his impact was limited by Golden State’s small-ball lineup.
  • Julius Randle: Contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds but shot poorly (6-for-15). The Wolves’ offense looked disjointed without Edwards firing early.

Takeaway: The Warriors’ defense was elite, holding Minnesota to 39.5% shooting and 5-for-29 from three. Hield and Butler filled the void left by Curry, while Edwards’ slow start cost the Wolves.

Game 2: Timberwolves Bounce Back (117-93)

After a heated film session with coach Chris Finch, the Timberwolves roared back in Game 2 on May 8, 2025, tying the series with a 117-93 rout.

• Minnesota Timberwolves:
  • Julius Randle: Led with 24 points and 11 assists, showing his playmaking chops. His hustle plays were a spark.
  • Anthony Edwards: Bounced back with 20 points, including key shots after an early injury scare. His energy was infectious.
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker: A surprise hero off the bench, dropping 20 points (5-for-10 from three). The bench unit went 10-for-22 from deep.
  • Rudy Gobert: Dominated with 14 points and 15 rebounds, anchoring a defense that held the Warriors to 15 first-quarter points.
• Golden State Warriors:
  • Jonathan Kuminga: A bright spot with 18 points on 8-for-9 shooting. His athleticism kept the Warriors competitive early.
  • Trayce Jackson-Davis: Added 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting, but the Warriors’ offense lacked rhythm without Curry.
  • Jimmy Butler: Scored 12 points but struggled (4-for-12). The Warriors’ 14-player rotation couldn’t find a groove.

Takeaway: Minnesota’s bench and three-point shooting (16-for-37) overwhelmed Golden State. The Warriors’ lack of offensive flow without Curry was glaring.

Game 3: Timberwolves Edge Out (102-97)

Game 3 on May 10, 2025, was a nail-biter, with Minnesota taking a 2-1 series lead with a 102-97 win.

• Minnesota Timberwolves:
  • Anthony Edwards: Took over with 36 points, including a clutch baseline three with 1:19 left. His swagger was back.
  • Julius Randle: Posted a triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. His versatility was key.
  • Rudy Gobert: Solid with 12 points and 14 rebounds, holding the paint against Golden State’s small lineups.
• Golden State Warriors:
  • Jimmy Butler: Led with 33 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds, but his heroics weren’t enough.
  • Jonathan Kuminga: Scored 30 points off the bench (11-for-18), showing he’s a rising star.
  • Buddy Hield: Added 14 points in the second half, including a late three to pull within four, but the Warriors faltered late.

Takeaway: Edwards and Randle’s crunch-time heroics outshone Butler’s brilliance. Draymond Green’s foul-out hurt Golden State’s defense.

Game 4: Warriors Fight Back (117-110)

The Warriors showed their championship pedigree in Game 4 on May 12, 2025, winning 117-110 to even the series.

• Golden State Warriors:
  • Buddy Hield: Erupted for 28 points, including 6-for-10 from three. His shooting kept the Warriors alive.
  • Jimmy Butler: Contributed 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, thriving in the clutch.
  • Draymond Green: Added 15 points and 8 assists, anchoring the defense despite foul trouble.
• Minnesota Timberwolves:
  • Anthony Edwards: Scored 28 points but struggled with efficiency (10-for-22). His late turnovers hurt.
  • Julius Randle: Had 20 points and 10 rebounds but couldn’t match his Game 3 impact.
  • Donte DiVincenzo: Snapped out of a slump with 15 points off the bench, hitting 3-for-6 from three.

Takeaway: The Warriors found their offensive rhythm, shooting 50% from the field. Minnesota’s defense couldn’t contain Hield and Butler.

Game 5: Timberwolves Seal the Deal (121-110)

In the decisive Game 5 on May 14, 2025, the Timberwolves closed out the series with a 121-110 victory, advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

• Minnesota Timberwolves:
  • Julius Randle: Led with 29 points on 13-for-18 shooting, dominating all facets of the game.
  • Anthony Edwards: Added 22 points and 12 assists, hitting a key three to spark a late run.
  • Rudy Gobert: Controlled the paint with 17 points and 10 rebounds, helping Minnesota shoot an incredible 77% on two-pointers.
  • Mike Conley: Chipped in 16 points and 8 assists, providing veteran stability.
  • Donte DiVincenzo: Added 13 points, contributing to a franchise-record 36 assists.
• Golden State Warriors:
  • Brandin Podziemski: Set a playoff career-high with 28 points, stepping up without Curry.
  • Jimmy Butler: Scored 20 points with 8 rebounds but couldn’t replicate his Game 3 heroics.
  • Jonathan Kuminga: Added 18 points, but the Warriors’ defense couldn’t stop Minnesota’s offensive onslaught.

Takeaway: Minnesota’s ball movement and shooting efficiency (62.8% from the field) overwhelmed Golden State. The Wolves’ depth and energy were too much.

Key Players and Their Impact

Minnesota Timberwolves

• Anthony Edwards: The face of the franchise, Edwards showed why he’s a superstar in the making. His 36-point explosion in Game 3 and clutch plays in Game 5 were pivotal. However, his slow start in Game 1 highlighted areas for growth, like handling defensive pressure.
• Julius Randle: Randle’s versatility as a scorer, passer, and rebounder was a game-changer. His triple-double in Game 3 and 29-point performance in Game 5 showcased his all-around impact.
• Rudy Gobert: The defensive anchor, Gobert’s rim protection and rebounding were crucial. His ability to counter Golden State’s small-ball lineups gave Minnesota an edge.
• Bench Unit: Players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Donte DiVincenzo, and Naz Reid provided critical scoring bursts, especially in Games 2 and 5.

Golden State Warriors

• Buddy Hield: With Curry sidelined, Hield became the Warriors’ go-to shooter, averaging over 20 points in the series. His 28-point outburst in Game 4 was a highlight.
• Jimmy Butler: Butler’s all-around play kept the Warriors competitive, with standout performances in Games 3 and 4. His leadership was vital without Curry.
• Jonathan Kuminga: The young forward emerged as a star, averaging 20+ points off the bench. His athleticism gave Minnesota fits.
• Draymond Green: Despite foul trouble, Green’s defense and playmaking were critical. His four threes in Game 1 were a pleasant surprise.

Statistical Trends and Insights

• Three-Point Shooting: Minnesota struggled from deep in Game 1 (5-for-29) but exploded for 16-for-37 in Game 2. The Warriors relied heavily on Hield and Green’s outside shooting, but their offense lacked consistency without Curry.
• Paint Dominance: The Timberwolves owned the paint, shooting 77% on two-pointers in Game 5 and outrebounding Golden State in every game. Gobert’s presence was a major factor.
• Turnovers and Pace: Minnesota’s fast-paced, ball-sharing style led to a franchise-record 36 assists in Game 5. The Warriors, meanwhile, struggled with turnovers in Games 2 and 3, especially without Curry’s ball-handling.
• Bench Production: The Timberwolves’ bench outscored Golden State’s in most games, with Alexander-Walker and DiVincenzo providing key sparks.

Personal Take: What This Series Taught Me

As someone who’s followed the NBA for over a decade, watching this series felt like a masterclass in resilience. The Warriors’ ability to win Game 1 without Curry reminded me of their 2015-16 dynasty days, when their depth and system carried them through injuries. But the Timberwolves’ response in Games 2, 3, and 5 showed a team coming of age. Anthony Edwards, in particular, has that “it” factor—reminds me of a young Kobe Bryant with his fearlessness. I’ve watched games courtside at Target Center, and the energy when Edwards hits a big shot is unreal. Minnesota’s fans chanting “Wolves in 5!” in Game 5 gave me chills.

On the flip side, the Warriors’ reliance on veterans like Butler and Hield without Curry exposed their vulnerability. As a fan, it’s tough to see a legend like Curry sidelined, but it’s a reminder that even the best teams need depth to survive the playoffs. This series was a testament to how quickly momentum can shift in the NBA.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

For the Timberwolves, this series win is a massive step toward their first deep playoff run in decades. Facing either Denver or Oklahoma City in the Western Conference Finals will test their defense and depth, but Edwards and Randle have proven they can carry the load.

For the Warriors, Stephen Curry’s health is the biggest question mark. If he returns fully healthy, they remain a contender. But this series showed they need more from their supporting cast, especially with Curry aging. Kuminga’s emergence is a silver lining, and I’m excited to see how he develops.

Conclusion: A Series to Remember

The 2024-25 Timberwolves vs. Warriors series was a showcase of heart, hustle, and high-level basketball. Minnesota’s youth and depth ultimately outshined Golden State’s experience, but both teams gave us moments to cherish. From Edwards’ clutch threes to Hield’s sharpshooting, the player stats tell a story of resilience and growth. As a fan, I can’t wait to see how these teams evolve next season. Whether you’re rooting for the Wolves or the Warriors, this series was a reminder of why we love the NBA.

FAQs

proudly presented by blooketcom.com