Warriors to face Timberwolves in NBA Western Playoffs; what to expect

For only the second time since lifting the 2022 NBA title, the Golden State Warriors have made it back to the Western Conference semifinals — and this one feels more urgent than triumphant.

With Stephen Curry nearing the twilight of his prime, and with Jimmy Butler now firmly in the mix, this might be the Warriors’ last best shot to reach the conference finals again.

But standing in their way is a rising juggernaut: the Minnesota Timberwolves, fresh off a dominant first-round win over the Lakers and looking every bit like the West’s new powerhouse.

Ant vs Steph: A clash of eras

This series hinges on Anthony Edwards, who’s turned the postseason into his personal legend-building campaign. Over the last year, he’s knocked out Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Nikola Jokić, and Luka Dončić. Is Curry next?

Edwards, only 22, has the swagger and shot-making of stars past — think 2011 Dirk Nowitzki or 2006 Dwyane Wade. But Curry isn’t ready to cede anything, and Jimmy Butler — back from injury — is one of the few who can make Edwards work for his points.

Schedule (all times ET)

• Game 1: Tue, May 6, 9:30 PM – TNT

• Game 2: Thu, May 8, 8:30 PM – TNT

• Game 3: Sat, May 10, 8:30 PM – ABC

• Game 4: Mon, May 12, 10 PM – ESPN

• Game 5*: Wed, May 14 – TNT

• Game 6*: Sun, May 18 – TBD

• Game 7*: Tue, May 20, 8:30 PM – ESPN

*if necessary

Storylines to watch

• Draymond vs Gobert — Their history is messy, and their rivalry heated. The league has been lenient on physicality this postseason, and this matchup could test those boundaries again. Two defensive stars, little offensive threat, a lot of bad blood.

• Kuminga’s conundrum — Will Jonathan Kuminga finally break back into Steve Kerr’s rotation? He was mostly sidelined in Round 1 but could be crucial against the Wolves’ length and athleticism.

• Randle’s redemption — After years of playoff underperformance with the Knicks, Julius Randle has been a steady presence in Minnesota. Can he keep it up? If so, he might earn a contract extension and help the Wolves punch their return ticket to the conference finals.

  By the numbers

  The Wolves were dominant in fourth quarters last round, outscoring the Lakers by 40.0 points per 100 possessions. Naz Reid was perfect from deep in the fourth (6-for-6), while the defense stifled L.A. to just 81 points per 100 possessions.

  But the Warriors were the NBA’s sixth-best fourth-quarter team in Round 1 and have the championship muscle memory to finish tight games. That sets the stage for some tense late-game showdowns.

  Prediction: Timberwolves in six

  Minnesota has the momentum, the defence, and possibly the best player in the series. If Edwards keeps ascending and the supporting cast holds, the Wolves could return to the West finals — and maybe go even further.