In the NBA playoffs, the Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry sat out due to injury, severely impacting the team’s offensive firepower. This gave the Minnesota Timberwolves the perfect opportunity to strike back and secure a victory in Game 2. Although Anthony Edwards briefly left the game due to injury, he fortunately did not sustain any serious damage and returned to help keep his team competitive. The upcoming Game 3 will take place at the Warriors’ home court, and fans are eagerly watching to see who will claim this crucial win.
The highlight of this series was supposed to be the showdown between Curry and Edwards. Last year, Edwards successfully eliminated his idol, Kevin Durant, in the playoffs, and this year, he just took down LeBron James, leaving fans absolutely thrilled. However, with Curry’s injury, this highly anticipated clash couldn’t unfold as hoped.
During G2’s pre-match practice, Curry shared his thoughts on his injury, noting that it’s the first time he has faced such an issue. He mentioned that the progress of his recovery remains uncertain and expressed his hope that he can feel gradual improvement each day.
With Curry sidelined, the Warriors struggled at the start of the game, quickly facing an 8-0 run from the Timberwolves, prompting coach Steve Kerr to call a timeout. Unfortunately, the situation didn’t improve after the break, as they continued to buckle under the opposing team’s offensive pressure. By the end of the first quarter, the Warriors found themselves trailing by 15 points, while the Timberwolves commandeered a solid lead with 29 points.
Although the Warriors struggled to find an effective offensive rhythm, as the game progressed into the second quarter, the Timberwolves also hit a scoring slump. After making some adjustments, the Warriors gradually improved their performance. By halftime, the score stood at 39 to 56, with the Timberwolves maintaining a 17-point lead.
In G2, Edwards accidentally twisted his ankle during a layup. Although he felt a bit uncomfortable when leaving the court, he returned to the game after being checked at halftime, showcasing his strong will. After the match, he stated that his injury isn’t serious.
Despite Edwards’ injuries having a minor impact, the Warriors’ defensive pressure effectively limited his scoring in the paint. Although he missed most of his shots during the game, had it not been for the Warriors’ tough defensive strategies, the Timberwolves’ fast-break threat could have been even more significant.
As the second half began, the Warriors showed a boost in offensive effectiveness. In the opening of the third quarter, Butler, Kuminga, and Buddy Hield teamed up to close the gap to just 7 points. However, after a timeout, the Timberwolves showcased their strength once again, quickly extending the lead back to a 20-point margin.
In this game, Jonathan Kuminga played for 26 minutes, delivering an impressive performance with 18 points and 5 rebounds. With Curry absent, the Warriors’ offense was inconsistent, ultimately leading to an early substitution of their starters to focus on preparations for the next match.
Many people can’t help but wonder why the performances in these two games differed so dramatically. In Game 1, even without Curry, the Warriors managed to secure victory thanks to their previous lead and effective defensive pressure on their opponents. However, in Game 2, as the Timberwolves regained their shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, the Warriors’ offensive adjustments failed to work, leading to a reversal in the game’s outcome.
As the Warriors prepare to return to their home court, both teams are up against their unique challenges, even with Curry still sidelined. Will the Timberwolves be able to capitalize on their momentum for another win, or can the Warriors find a breakthrough to defend their home advantage? It’s a matchup to watch closely.
