The big story heading into Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal series between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves was Steph Curry’s absence.
With the Timberwolves’ 117-93 victory in Game 2, the series is now tied 1-1.
Julius Randle produced a double-double with 24 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 20 points off the bench.
Jonathan Kuminga did not start for the Warriors but finished with a team-high 18 points.
The Warriors managed to secure a 99-88 Game 1 victory. This was largely thanks to the outstanding performances of Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield. Hield led the team in scoring with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Butler had 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.
Curry will still be sidelined for at least the next two games of the series – Game 3 on Saturday and Game 4 on Monday – after an MRI revealed a grade 1 hamstring strain. In the Warriors’ announcement, Golden State said that Curry would be re-evaluated in one week.
Warriors vs. Timberwolves highlights
Final: Timberwolves 117, Warriors 93
End of 3Q: Timberwolves 85, Warriors 65
The Timberwolves continue to run away with the game, leading the Warriors by as many as 22 points. Minnesota went on a 20-5 scoring run in the final minutes of the third quarter to maintain its lead.
Julius Randle leads the game with 20 points for the Timberwolves. He also has 10 assists and six rebounds. Jaden McDaniels has added 16 points.
Jonathan Kuminga leads the Warriors with 18 points after shooting 8-of-9 from the field. Jimmy Butler has scored 14 points.
Anthony Edwards returns
Anthony Edwards is back in the game after suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter.
Halftime: Timberwolves 56, Warriors 39
Without Stephen Curry in the lineup, the Warriors are struggling to generate enough offense to keep up with the Timberwolves through the first two quarters of play.
Julius Randle scored a game-high 16 points for the Timberwolves in the first half. Anthony Edwards had seven points, four rebounds and three assists before leaving the game with 5:56 left in the second quarter due to an injury.
Jonathan Kuminga came off the bench to score a team-high 10 points for the Warriors. Golden State did not have a starter score more than six points in the first half.
Anthony Edwards’ injury update
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards went to the locker room after an apparent ankle injury. He is questionable to return, according to the Timberwolves.
End of 1Q: Timberwolves 29, Warriors 15
The Timberwolves grabbed the early momentum with a 13-0 lead to start the game. Minnesota showed confidence from long range, starting the scoring attack with a pair of 3-pointers.
Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards each had seven points for the Timberwolves.
Jimmy Butler was the Warriors’ leading scorer with five points.
Timberwolves’ starting lineup vs. Warriors
Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert make up the starting five for the Timberwolves. It’s the same starting five from Game 1.
Warriors’ starting lineup vs. Timberwolves
Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green and Quinten Post for the Warriors tonight in Game 2.
It’s the second playoff start for Post, after serving as a two-way player during the regular season.
Stephen Curry will miss the game after suffering a left hamstring strain in Game 1.
What time is Warriors vs. Timberwolves?
Game 2 in the NBA playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves is set to be played at 8:30 p.m., ET on Thursday, May 8.
How to watch Warriors vs. Timberwolves NBA playoff game: TV, stream
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT)
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis)
TV: TNT, truTV
Stream: Sling TV, YouTube TV
Watch Timberwolves vs. Warriors Game 2 on Sling