SAN FRANCISCO — The Timberwolves secured a hard-fought 102-97 victory over the Warriors in Game 3 at Chase Center on Saturday, taking a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. As Game 4 approaches on Monday in San Francisco, and with Stephen Curry reportedly unavailable until at least Game 6, the Warriors are now facing a must-win situation.
Here are the key highlights from the clash on Saturday night:
Point Julius dominates with a triple-double
Julius Randle showcased his all-around skills as he continues to silence critics who doubted his playoff performance. Randle led the Wolves with 13 points in the first half and then took charge in the second half, igniting the offense and particularly benefiting Anthony Edwards.
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Randle delivered an outstanding performance, recording his first postseason triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. He became the first Timberwolves player since Kevin Garnett to achieve a triple-double in the playoffs, showcasing his versatility at a crucial time.
“I believe in utilizing all the tools at my disposal,” Randle stated. “It’s about reading the defense and making the right decisions.”
His inside presence and playmaking ability were instrumental in creating opportunities for Minnesota’s shooters, forcing the Warriors into defensive rotations that led to open shots. Randle’s playmaking was pivotal in the second half, where he dished out nine of his 12 assists. Six of those assists in the second half were for Edwards.
“He was phenomenal,” Edwards remarked. “Finding teammates with precision, pushing the pace, and delivering at a high level.”
Edwards dominates the second half with a highlight-reel play
While Randle’s triple-double set the tone for Minnesota’s comeback, Edwards stole the spotlight. After a quiet first half with eight points on 3-of-12 shooting, Edwards erupted in the second half, finishing with 36 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block in 44 minutes.
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When Draymond Green got into foul trouble in the third quarter, Edwards capitalized on the opportunity to attack the paint. He scored 15 points in the third quarter, showcasing his aggressiveness and athleticism with a memorable dunk over Kevon Looney.
Reflecting on his performance, Edwards mentioned, “I think Jonathan Kuminga’s dunk on me fired me up and motivated me to elevate my game.”
The Warriors disrupted Edwards’ rhythm in the first half, but he found his groove by focusing on high-percentage shots in the second half. He exploded for 28 points in the latter half, including 13 in the final quarter. With minimal contribution from the bench, Edwards and Randle carried the team on their shoulders.
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Mike Conley, despite modest statistics, provided crucial defense and veteran leadership in the closing stages of the game, fulfilling a vital role for the Wolves.
Warriors struggle offensively in the fourth quarter
Golden State put up a fight and held a four-point lead heading into the final quarter. However, they faltered down the stretch, managing only 24 points in the fourth quarter with four turnovers and five assists. The absence of Curry was glaringly evident at this crucial juncture.
Several factors contributed to the Warriors’ struggles in the fourth quarter:
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Jimmy Butler, who had a strong performance throughout the game, went cold in the fourth quarter, shooting 1 of 7 from the field.
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Draymond Green fouled out with 4:38 remaining, impacting the Warriors’ offensive flow. Without Green’s playmaking and screens, the team struggled to generate quality looks against Minnesota’s tenacious defense.
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Aside from Kuminga, no other Warrior made a significant impact.
Kuminga provided a spark off the bench with 30 points, showcasing his potential and determination to earn a prominent role. His performance, alongside Butler, contributed to the majority of the Warriors’ scoring output. Kerr’s decision to rely on Kuminga proved beneficial, considering his previous limited playing time. Kuminga and Butler combined for a significant portion of the team’s points and shot attempts, highlighting their importance to the Warriors’ success.
What’s next?
With the series now at 2-1 in favor of the Timberwolves and Curry sidelined, the Warriors face a critical Game 4 on Monday. Green must avoid foul trouble, and the team needs additional offensive contributions. Players like Brandin Podziemski, who has struggled with his shooting efficiency, must step up. Limiting turnovers, maintaining ball movement, and exploiting mismatches will be vital for the Warriors, especially in the frontcourt.
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For Minnesota, the win in Game 3 showcased their ability to make necessary adjustments and capitalize on the opponent’s weaknesses. Randle’s playmaking skills have been instrumental in facilitating the offense, while Edwards’ aggressive mindset has been a key factor in their success. The bench depth needs improvement, with players like Jaden McDaniels requiring more involvement earlier in the game.
Game 4 presents an opportunity for the Wolves to further assert their dominance, while the Warriors must respond with urgency to even the series. The stage is set for an intense battle.