In a thrilling conclusion to the NBA playoff series, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a decisive victory over the Golden State Warriors, winning Game 5 with a final score of 121-104, thus advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. The game, held on May 14, 2025, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, showcased the Timberwolves’ resilience and strategic prowess, as they capitalized on their home-court advantage.
Rudy Gobert kicked off the scoring for Minnesota, setting the tone early despite a quiet start in the series. The Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, who had already made an impact with a 30-point performance in Game 4, continued to shine, demonstrating his scoring ability by hitting six three-pointers throughout the game. His offensive efforts were complemented by Julius Randle, who also had a strong showing, contributing 31 points to the team’s total.
The first quarter saw the Timberwolves establish an early lead, bolstered by a series of three-pointers from Mike Conley and excellent rebounding from Nas Reed. Conley, in particular, was instrumental in the first half, hitting multiple shots from beyond the arc and creating opportunities for his teammates. Minnesota’s defense effectively contained the Warriors, forcing them into turnovers and limiting their scoring chances.
As the game progressed, the pace quickened, reminiscent of the previous matchups in the series. Jonathan Kuminga of the Warriors attempted to shift momentum with his athletic plays, including a highlight dunk and a three-pointer, but the Timberwolves maintained their composure. Minnesota’s ability to run the floor and finish strong at the rim was a key factor in their successful offense.
The second half continued in favor of Minnesota, who maintained a double-digit lead for much of the third quarter. The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm, with turnovers hampering their efforts to close the gap. Despite Draymond Green’s contributions and an impressive effort by Moses Moody, who hit a crucial three-pointer, Golden State could not mount a significant comeback.
With the Timberwolves leading by as much as 25 points at one stage, the urgency for the Warriors became palpable. They faced the daunting prospect of elimination, needing to rally late in the game. However, the Timberwolves’ defense held firm, and Edwards continued to shine, tying his career playoff high with a standout performance.
As the final minutes ticked down, Minnesota’s bench erupted with excitement, knowing they were on the verge of clinching the series. The victory not only marked a significant achievement for the Timberwolves after a disappointing exit in last year’s playoffs but also signaled their intent to compete for the championship this year.
The Warriors, having faced a tough postseason, will now turn their attention to the future, reflecting on the lessons learned from this series. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves prepare for their next challenge as they aim to build on this momentum in the upcoming Western Conference Finals.