NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves Eliminate Warriors, Celtics Lead Knicks

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves are charging back to the Western Conference Finals after dispatching the Golden State Warriors 121-110 on Wednesday night, wrapping up their second-round series 4-1.

The victory, powered by six Minnesota players scoring in double digits, marks the Timberwolves’ second consecutive trip to the conference finals — a first in franchise history. Julius Randle led all scorers with 29 points, alongside eight rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards delivered a complete performance with 22 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds, while Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley added 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Despite playing without Stephen Curry for the entire second round due to a hamstring injury, the seventh-seeded Warriors fought with grit. Rookie Brandin Podziemski put up 28 points, Jonathan Kuminga added 26, and Jimmy Butler contributed 17 points, six boards, and six assists. Still, every Golden State run was met with a Minnesota answer.

The Timberwolves now await the winner of the Denver Nuggets–Oklahoma City Thunder series.

Veteran Presence and Redemption Arc

Conley, the 18-year NBA veteran, quietly dictated the game with veteran savvy and timely shooting. He hit four of six from beyond the arc and dished pinpoint passes, including key feeds to Gobert in the second quarter. His 16 points and eight rebounds don’t jump off the stat sheet, but his leadership on the floor was evident — steadying the Wolves when the Warriors made a late push.

This postseason run is a testament to Minnesota’s perseverance after a rocky start to the season. Their attempt to incorporate Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo was met with growing pains, but the team stayed the course. Now, “Typical Timberwolves” might finally mean something positive: legitimate contenders.

Warriors' Season Ends with ‘What Ifs’

Golden State’s campaign came to a close shrouded in uncertainty. Without Curry for the last four games, they failed to notch a single win. Head coach Steve Kerr hinted at Curry possibly returning for a Game 6, but the team never made it there.

Jimmy Butler, acquired midseason to support Curry, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled late in the series as opposing defenses keyed in on him. While the Warriors surged late in the regular season — going 23-7 with Curry and Butler together — Curry’s injury in Game 1 marked the beginning of the end.

Now, attention turns to the offseason. Draymond Green is expected back, but questions surround Jonathan Kuminga’s future as a restricted free agent. The Warriors also need more firepower in the paint and consistent perimeter shooting to complement Butler’s inside game. For the “two-timeline” franchise, the balancing act between competing now and developing youth remains unresolved.

BOSTON — Over in the East, the Celtics kept their playoff hopes alive with a resounding 127-102 win over the New York Knicks, trimming the series deficit to 3-2.

With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a ruptured Achilles, Boston needed someone to rise — and Derrick White answered the call with a 34-point explosion. Jaylen Brown added 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds in a statement performance that shifted the momentum of the series.

Third Quarter Meltdown Sinks Knicks

New York held strong in the first half, heading into the break tied. But the Celtics blew the doors open with a 32-17 third quarter fueled by sharp shooting, aggressive drives, and suffocating defense. Jalen Brunson, who scored 22 points, picked up his fifth foul in the third quarter and fouled out early in the fourth — a devastating blow to the Knicks’ comeback hopes.

Boston’s defensive adjustment — having Brown guard Brunson — paid immediate dividends. The Knicks shot just 34% from the field before coach Tom Thibodeau pulled his starters, seemingly conceding the game with time still on the clock.

Porziņģis Benched, Kornet Steps Up

Struggling throughout the series and battling illness, Kristaps Porziņģis was ineffective once again in the first half, missing all his shots and grabbing just one rebound. Coach Joe Mazzulla responded by benching him for the entire second half — a move that paid off.

In his place, Luke Kornet delivered a career night. The big man recorded seven blocks, nine rebounds, and 10 points — dominating defensively and helping Boston secure the win. His performance raises fresh questions about why Porziņģis remained in the starting lineup for so long.

Brown Takes Control in Tatum’s Absence

With the season on the line, Brown stepped into the leadership void. He methodically attacked the paint, drew contact, and got to the free-throw line. His aggression led to Brunson fouling out, and his all-around control of the game helped Boston hold a commanding lead into the fourth quarter.

While Derrick White provided the scoring punch and Kornet delivered on defense, it was Brown’s steady hand that guided the Celtics through the storm. Whether this form can be sustained in Game 6 remains to be seen, but for now, Boston lives to fight another day.

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