The Minnesota Timberwolves seized control of their second-round playoff series by defeating the Golden State Warriors 102-97 on Saturday night at Chase Center.
With Stephen Curry sidelined for a second straight game and Draymond Green fouling out in the final minutes, Golden State could not hold on to its fourth-quarter lead.
Anthony Edwards powered Minnesota with 36 points on 13-for-28 shooting, including a clutch baseline three-pointer with 1:19 left that gave the Timberwolves a four-point cushion.
Julius Randle added a triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, overcoming a cold start to guide Minnesota through a tight fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves outscored the Warriors 33-24 in the final period, erasing a five-point deficit behind decisive buckets from Edwards, Randle, and Jaden McDaniels.
McDaniels finished with 15 points and hit a critical corner three with 3:20 to play, shortly after Edwards’ go-ahead shot gave Minnesota momentum.
Golden State’s offense lacked rhythm without Curry, who is nursing a strained left hamstring suffered in Game 1.
Jimmy Butler delivered 33 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds in the loss, while Jonathan Kuminga contributed 30 points off the bench on 11-for-18 shooting.
Buddy Hield added 14 points, including a deep three that cut Minnesota’s lead to four with under two minutes left, but the Warriors committed key turnovers and failed to convert down the stretch.
Green was whistled for his sixth foul with 4:38 remaining, ending his night with just two points and five turnovers, and visibly expressed frustration as he exited the court.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, inserted into the starting lineup after a strong Game 2, played just 11 minutes, scoring seven points on 3-for-4 shooting.
Minnesota shot 43.9 percent from the field and made 13 of 34 three-pointers, while holding Golden State to just 10-of-23 from long range.
The Timberwolves also held a 44-36 rebounding advantage and out-assisted the Warriors 28 to 21.
With the victory, Minnesota leads the best-of-seven series 2-1 heading into Monday’s Game 4, also at Chase Center.
