Wolves close out Warriors for 2nd straight WCF

Timberwolves Triumph Over Warriors, Secure Second Straight Western Conference Finals Berth
Minnesota’s Playoff Prowess Shines Bright
In a thrilling display of grit and teamwork, the Minnesota Timberwolves clinched their spot in the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, defeating the Golden State Warriors 121-110 in Game 5 on May 14, 2025. This commanding 4-1 series victory, sealed on their home court at Target Center, marks a historic milestone for the franchise, which hadn’t reached back-to-back conference finals in its 35-year history. With standout performances from Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves are proving they’re no fluke—they’re a force to be reckoned with. Noyzy News breaks down how Minnesota dominated and what’s next for this rising NBA powerhouse.
A Series Defined by Depth and Determination
The Timberwolves entered the Western Conference semifinals as the sixth seed, fresh off a 4-1 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers. Facing a battle-tested Warriors squad, bolstered by the trade-deadline acquisition of Jimmy Butler, Minnesota faced a tough challenge—until Golden State’s fortunes shifted. Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ offensive linchpin, suffered a hamstring strain in Game 1, sidelining him for the final four games. Without Curry’s gravity-defying shooting, Golden State struggled to keep pace, and Minnesota pounced.
Game 5 was a masterclass in balanced scoring and relentless energy. The Timberwolves shot an astounding 62.8% from the field, the third-best shooting percentage in a series-clinching win since the shot-clock era began. Julius Randle led the charge with 29 points on 13-of-18 shooting, adding eight rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards dazzled with 22 points and a playoff-career-high 12 assists, while Rudy Gobert anchored the paint with 17 points and eight rebounds.
Key Moments That Sealed the Series
Minnesota’s dominance wasn’t just about star power—it was about execution. Here’s how they closed out the Warriors:

Early Control: The Wolves grabbed the lead 2.5 minutes into the first quarter and never relinquished it, building a double-digit cushion by halftime with a second-quarter surge.
Team Effort: Six Timberwolves scored in double figures, including veteran Mike Conley (16 points, eight assists) and Donte DiVincenzo (13 points off the bench), showcasing their depth.
Defensive Prowess: Minnesota’s sixth-ranked defense stifled Golden State’s offense, holding them to under 100 points in the first three games of the series.
Randle’s Redemption: Acquired in the controversial Karl-Anthony Towns trade, Randle has silenced doubters, averaging stellar numbers across the series and earning praise for his playoff poise.

The Warriors’ Uphill Battle
Golden State, the seventh seed, entered the playoffs on a high after upsetting the second-seeded Houston Rockets in a grueling seven-game series. But Curry’s injury in Game 1—sustained just 13 minutes into the contest—proved catastrophic. Without their two-time MVP, the Warriors leaned on Brandin Podziemski (28 points in Game 5) and Jonathan Kuminga (26 points off the bench), but it wasn’t enough. Jimmy Butler, battling illness in Game 5, managed 17 points but couldn’t replicate his “Playoff Jimmy” heroics from past postseasons.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr refused to make excuses, graciously crediting Minnesota’s performance. “No sense in even talking about Steph,” Kerr said postgame. “Minnesota accomplished something special.” Despite the loss, Golden State’s late-season surge—going 23-7 when Curry and Butler played together—offers hope for a retooled roster next season.
Minnesota’s Transformation
This Timberwolves squad is a far cry from the “typical Timberwolves” label once synonymous with dysfunction. Under coach Chris Finch, they’ve embraced a no-nonsense mentality. Finch challenged his team at the season’s outset: Were they a true Western Conference Finals contender, or just a team that got lucky last year? The answer came in their 17-4 regular-season finish and an 8-2 playoff record, including wins over LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and now Curry and Butler.
The trade of Karl-Anthony Towns for Randle and DiVincenzo, once polarizing, has paid dividends. Randle’s versatility and Edwards’ explosive growth have elevated Minnesota’s ceiling, while Gobert’s rim protection and Conley’s veteran savvy provide stability. Jaden McDaniels, with his defensive tenacity, has also emerged as a postseason star, logging four steals in Game 5.
What’s Next for the Wolves?
Minnesota now awaits the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder-Denver Nuggets series, with the Thunder leading 3-2 as of May 15, 2025. The Wolves, likely road underdogs in Games 1 and 2, are unfazed. “Nobody expected us to beat the Lakers, no one expected us to beat the Warriors,” DiVincenzo said. “We’re fine with that.” A potential five-day break could give Minnesota a rest advantage, especially if Denver forces a Game 7.
The Western Conference Finals, set to begin around May 20, 2025, will test Minnesota’s mettle against either OKC’s high-octane offense or Denver’s championship pedigree. Edwards, now one of only two Timberwolves with 1,000 career playoff points alongside Kevin Garnett, is ready for the challenge. “Ant believes everything he says,” Conley said, recalling Edwards’ bold promise last spring to return to this stage.
Conclusion: A Franchise on the Rise
The Minnesota Timberwolves have rewritten their narrative, shedding years of skepticism to emerge as a legitimate NBA contender. Their Game 5 rout of the Warriors wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. With a dynamic core, a proven coach, and a fanbase roaring at Target Center, the Wolves are poised for a deep playoff run. Can they take the next step and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2004? Noyzy News will keep you locked in as Minnesota chases history in the Western Conference Finals.