NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves Edge Warriors, Knicks Top Celtics

May 13, 2025 — The Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks are now just one win away from the conference finals after pivotal Game 4 victories on Monday night. Both teams extended their series leads to 3-1 in high-stakes matchups that showcased resilience, star power, and postseason grit.

Timberwolves Outlast Warriors, Take Commanding Series Lead

In Minneapolis, the Timberwolves surged past the Golden State Warriors 117-110, capitalizing on a dominant third-quarter stretch to break open what had been a tightly contested battle. Minnesota turned a slim two-point deficit into a commanding 20-point advantage behind stellar performances from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. The duo combined for 61 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, overwhelming a depleted Warriors squad.

Golden State, still without star guard Steph Curry due to a hamstring injury sustained in Game 1, struggled to keep pace offensively. The absence of their floor general proved critical—Curry has logged only 13 minutes in the series, scoring 13 points before his early exit. Since then, the Warriors have dropped three straight games and have failed to score more than 102 points in regulation.

Coach Steve Kerr, who previously pointed to Golden State’s elite defense as their best hope without Curry, saw that strategy unravel Monday. The Timberwolves exploited holes in the Warriors’ perimeter coverage, racking up 27, 31, and 39 points across the first three quarters and finishing with 16 made three-pointers.

The Warriors will now return to Minneapolis for a do-or-die Game 5 on Wednesday. A loss would mark the end of their postseason run and possibly close a chapter on a dynasty era.

Knicks Complete Another Comeback, Celtics Reeling After Tatum Injury

Earlier in the evening at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks once again clawed their way back from a double-digit deficit, defeating the Boston Celtics 121-113 in a tense, physical Game 4. New York trailed by 14 in the third quarter before launching a trademark rally, sparked by Jalen Brunson’s clutch scoring and defensive tenacity.

Brunson, recently named NBA Clutch Player of the Year, scored 39 points, including two pivotal buckets that gave the Knicks a 109-104 lead in the final minutes—an advantage they never surrendered. OG Anunoby added 20 points, while Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in 23 apiece.

Boston’s hopes dimmed further late in the fourth quarter when All-Star Jayson Tatum suffered a non-contact leg injury. Tatum crumpled to the floor while stepping back near the top of the key and had to be helped off the court without putting weight on his right leg. He was later shown in a wheelchair during the ESPN broadcast. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed postgame that Tatum would undergo an MRI on Tuesday.

Tatum had led Boston with 42 points, while Derrick White and Jaylen Brown scored 23 and 20, respectively. But it wasn’t enough to contain a Knicks team that’s made a habit of dramatic comebacks—already overturning 20-point deficits in both Games 1 and 2.

What’s Next?

Both the Timberwolves and Knicks head into Game 5 with momentum and a chance to close out their series. The Timberwolves host the Warriors in Minneapolis on Wednesday, while the Knicks look to wrap up their clash with the Celtics in Boston—potentially without Tatum on the floor.

If these trends continue, the conference finals could feature two of the league’s most resilient and balanced teams, both peaking at the perfect time.