The Minnesota Timberwolves are just one win away from reaching the Western Conference finals after a dominant 117-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of their playoff series. Powered by a spectacular third-quarter performance from Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves now hold a 3-1 lead and have the chance to finish the job at home in Game 5.
Edwards Explodes in the Third
Edwards was the undisputed star of the night, finishing with 30 points. His biggest impact came in the third quarter, where he exploded for a flurry of baskets that turned the game on its head. The 22-year-old guard poured in points during a stunning 17-0 run that saw Minnesota blow open what had been a tight contest.
Leading 68-68 midway through the third, Minnesota seized control as Edwards hit tough shots from all angles. His fearless drives, pull-up jumpers, and confident three-pointers silenced the San Francisco crowd and left the Warriors searching for answers.
“We came out like we had already won the series,” Edwards admitted after the game. “Coach told me I wasn’t defending at a high level, and I wasn’t aggressive enough. So in the second half, I locked in.”
ANTHONY EDWARDS IS TAKING OVER ‼️
He’s got 28 PTS on 6 3PM…
Midway through the 3Q pic.twitter.com/TCMnKn16bp
— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2025
Timberwolves Bring Balance and Bite
While Edwards headlined, the Timberwolves also benefited from an all-around team effort. Minnesota sank 16-of-34 from three-point range and got key contributions from Rudy Gobert, who dominated the paint with 16 rebounds and three blocks, and Mike Conley, who added 18 points and orchestrated the offense with veteran poise.
Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in 20 points, including a pair of momentum-swinging three-pointers during Minnesota’s big run. Their ball movement, spacing, and defensive intensity were a major contrast to the Warriors, who looked out of sync and over-reliant on isolation plays.
Chris Finch’s squad showcased maturity beyond their years, never letting their foot off the gas after building a 20-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Every time the Warriors made a push, the Timberwolves had an answer—usually in the form of Edwards or Towns.
ANT & RANDLE GUIDE MINNESOTA TO VICTORY!!
Randle: 31 PTS | 5 REB | 4 3PM
Ant: 30 PTS (16 in 3Q) | 4 REB | 5 AST | 2 STL | 6 3PMTimberwolves take a 3-1 series lead. pic.twitter.com/RR0gst6jRZ
— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2025
Curry’s Absence Looms Large for Warriors
Golden State struggled to find rhythm without their injured leader, Stephen Curry, who once again sat on the bench in street clothes due to a foot injury. The absence of their iconic sharpshooter left a huge hole in the Warriors’ offense, which shot just 8-of-30 from beyond the arc.
Klay Thompson tried to shoulder the scoring load, finishing with 24 points, while Andrew Wiggins contributed 18. However, the lack of consistent ball movement and outside shooting made it easy for Minnesota’s defense to pack the paint and control the tempo.
Draymond Green, always the emotional heartbeat of the Warriors, had 12 points and 10 rebounds but couldn’t rally his team the way he has in the past.
“We missed shots, sure,” said head coach Steve Kerr. “But we also didn’t execute well enough on defense. We let them get hot, and that third quarter killed us.”
Coach Finch’s Message Sparks Turnaround
It was Minnesota’s response to adversity that stood out most. After a disappointing Game 3 loss and a sluggish first half in Game 4, Coach Finch challenged his players during the break—and they responded.
“Coach got into us at halftime,” Edwards revealed. “He said we were playing soft, like losers. That fired us up. We came out and showed who we really are.”
That passion translated into swarming defense and lightning-quick offense. The Timberwolves held the Warriors to just 19 points in the third quarter while pouring in 35 of their own. The energy in Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric, with fans sensing that this could be a special postseason run.
Pacers Make History with Halftime Surge
With the win, the Timberwolves not only gained a commanding series lead but also made a statement. Their 17-0 third-quarter run was one of the most dominant stretches of the 2025 playoffs so far. Edwards now has three 30-point games in this series, underlining his emergence as one of the league’s premier young stars.
Minnesota’s ability to withstand pressure and maintain composure in a hostile environment showed how much this team has grown since last year’s early postseason exit. They’re not just a team on the rise—they’re a genuine threat to reach the NBA Finals.
What’s Next
Game 5 will take place on Wednesday in Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves will try to close out the series in front of their home fans. With momentum fully on their side and Edwards playing like a superstar, they’ll be confident of sealing the deal.
The Warriors, meanwhile, must dig deep to avoid elimination and extend their season. But without Curry and with the Timberwolves firing on all cylinders, their path forward looks increasingly difficult.
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