Timberwolves Seize Series Lead Against Curry-Less Warriors: Latest NBA Playoff Drama Unfolds

Timberwolves Take Control as Warriors Grapple with Curry’s Absence

The NBA playoffs have thrown a real curveball this season, and it’s playing out in dramatic fashion between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. Going into Game 1, the chatter was all about Stephen Curry and Golden State’s chance to prove they’re still a postseason threat. But all that changed in a heartbeat when Curry limped off the court with a hamstring injury. The Warriors managed to close out Game 1 with a 99-88 win, mainly thanks to their scrappy defense and fast ball movement that stumped the Timberwolves. But the celebration was cut short — that twinge in Curry’s leg turned out to be a Grade 1 hamstring strain, ruling him out for at least the next two games and possibly longer.

Suddenly, Minnesota sensed a real opening, and boy did they capitalize. With Curry stuck in street clothes for Game 2, the Timberwolves didn’t hold back. Julius Randle stepped up in a way few expected, dropping a playoff career-high 24 points and dishing out 11 assists. Anyone who watched could see how contagious his energy was. The Warriors tried to dig deep, getting 18 points from Jonathan Kuminga, but without their superstar leading the charge, they just couldn’t keep up. Minnesota rolled to a commanding 117-93 win, and just that quick, the series was tied.

Game 3 was played on Golden State’s turf in San Francisco, but you wouldn’t know it from the way the Timberwolves refused to be bothered by the road crowd. The tension was thick, with every possession feeling like a mini-battle. Anthony Edwards cranked his game up, pouring in 36 points fueled by relentless attacks at the rim and some cold-blooded late buckets. Randle was right behind him, bringing steady production and confidence. Golden State’s offense sputtered when the game got tight, and the Timberwolves snagged a gritty 102-97 victory. All of a sudden, Minnesota had a 2-1 NBA Playoffs series lead, and Golden State was left scrambling for answers.

Key Players Step Up as Warriors Face Tough Road Ahead

With Curry still nursing his hamstring and unlikely to return before Game 6, the Warriors have a mountain to climb. The drop-off in offensive flow without their engine has been obvious, and it’s highlighted how much they lean on his presence, whether he’s shooting from deep or opening up space for others. Kuminga, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are trying to find new gears, but so far none have quite filled the leadership vacuum left behind.

The Timberwolves aren’t winning on luck alone — they’re getting big-time plays from up and down the roster. Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 20-point outburst in Game 2 and steady defense from Jaden McDaniels have made Minnesota look deeper than ever. Jimmy Butler, while not as hot in the scoring column, keeps finding smart ways to contribute, diving for loose balls, setting screens, and making the Warriors’ life miserable on both ends.

Looking ahead to Game 4, there’s a sense that the next 48 minutes might decide who takes control for good. Minnesota’s confidence has ballooned, and they’re just two wins away from the Western Conference Finals—a place the franchise hasn’t seen in years. Meanwhile, the Warriors’ bench is being pushed into the limelight. Can they rediscover the magic that made them perennial contenders, or has Curry’s hamstring sidelined more than just one man?

Game 4 is on the calendar for Monday, May 12, and both sides know the stakes. For Golden State, it’s all about survival and keeping hope alive. For Minnesota, every possession feels closer to a breakthrough, with Randle, Edwards, and company eager to deal the decisive blow. Fans are strapped in, and with the way things have shifted, nobody can quite predict what’s next in this wild NBA Playoff battle.