The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets in a tough first-round series. Now, they move on to the second playoffs-round. Their next challenge is even tougher as they will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, one of the hottest teams in the league. Their tactical flexibility makes them a dangerous and unpredictable opponent. Before game, Stephen Curry spoke about the matchup focusing on Anthony Edwards and his incredible form.
“He (Anthony Edwards) is playing with supreme confidence. We know they had their run last year, and they’re a new look with (Julius) Randle, but same Ant, who’s trying to take strides with every opportunity he gets…It’s going to be a tough challenge. We know you’re gonna have to send multiple bodies at him, and we’ll figure out a game plan to go at him,” stated Stephen Curry on press conference.
At just 23 years old, Anthony Edwards is having a standout postseason. His performance is a sharp contrast to Stephen Curry’s. The young Timberwolves star is averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. However, his impact goes far beyond the numbers. Against the Los Angeles Lakers, he showed a different side of his game. He stepped away from scoring to contribute as a playmaker. That shift in focus makes him even more dangerous against the Warriors.
The Minnesota Timberwolves may be favorites, but Golden State has won their last three matchups. That record shows clear dominance. Even so, the Timberwolves hold two important advantages. First, they have stronger role players. Second, they come into the series with more rest. This extra time helped them prepare better. Still, it does not mean the series will be easy. The Warriors have experience, and that makes them unpredictable.
Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during a 103-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
What could affect the Golden State Warriors’ performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves?
As the postseason moves forward, every detail becomes more important. The Golden State Warriors now face only 48 hours of rest. They just finished seven intense games against one of the most physical teams in the NBA, the Houston Rockets. This situation matters even more because their core relies on veteran players, a fact that could limit their performance. Especially after seeing Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler completely exhausted in Game 7.
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In addition, their bench has contributed very little in recent games. During the win over the Houston Rockets, only Kevon Looney and Moses Moody played significant minutes. Neither made a noticeable impact, which adds pressure to the starters.
This weakness becomes even more important against Minnesota. The Timberwolves have reliable players off the bench, including Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. These three can shift momentum at any time, making this a key difference between both teams.
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