Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

NBA Playoffs Timberwolves vs Warriors Game 5: Anthony Edwards and Co. Advance to Conference Finals for Second Straight Season

It was the first time since 1972 when the Warriors dropped four consecutive games in a single postseason.

Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ dream run in the 2024-25 season continues as they defeated the Golden State Warriors 121-110 in Game 5 to clinch the west semifinals series 4-1. For the first time in franchise history, the Timberwolves are heading to the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back years. Edwards and Co. will now face the Nuggets-Thunder winner next.

Julius Randle scored 29 points on 13-for-18 shooting while Anthony Edwards added 22 points and a playoff career-high 12 assists. Rudy Gobert chipped in 17 points, while Mike Conley added 16 points and eight assists. The sixth-seed Wolves didn’t drop their double-digit throughout the game against the Warriors, who played fourth straight game without Stephen Curry due to a hamstring strain.

The Minnesota Timberwolves advance to the Western Conference Finals!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/qXNGOTLt6K
— NBA (@NBA) May 15, 2025

Also Read: NBA Playoffs Celtics vs. Knicks Game 5: Defending Champions Force Game 6 With Crucial Home Victory

First Half Brilliance Helps Minnesota to Win Game 5 despite the Warriors’ Late 4th Quarter Comeback

The Timberwolves held a 62-47 lead at halftime and went 25-for-41 from the floor. The Wolves also set a franchise record of 20 assists for the first half and went on to update the assist record for a single playoff game as well. They broke their previous record of 32 assists against the Grizzlies in 2022. The Warriors were shooting 4-for-19 from 3-point range in first half.

Minnesota went on a 10-2 run in the late third quarter to stretch their lead to 22 points. Rudy Gobart and Anthony Edwards also reached 1000 career points in the playoffs. Ant-Man is just the sixth player in NBA history to score 1000 playoff points before the age of 24, joining Kobe Bryant, Tony Parker, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum.

Anthony Edwards is just the SIXTH player in NBA history to score 1K playoff points before the age of 24, joining:

Kobe Bryant
Tony Parker
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/Lu84B2yu6E
— NBA (@NBA) May 15, 2025

The Warriors looked dominant in the fourth quarter and dropped a 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 16 points. Despite a 38-28 scoring edge in the fourth quarter, Golden State couldn’t deny their exit from the playoffs. It was the first time since 1972 when the Warriors dropped four consecutive games in a single postseason.

Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with a playoff career-high 28 points. Jonathan Kuminga shined again off the bench with 26 points. Jimmy Butler had an ordinary night with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Draymond Green and Moses Moody recorded in double-figures.

Warriors missed the heart of their entire offensive operation and it was none other than Stephen Curry, who clocked just 18 minutes in the semifinal series. Minnesota shot 62.8% from the field which is the third best by any team in a series-clinching win in the shot-clock era. The Wolves also shot 77% on 2-pointers (36 for 47) which shows their dominance.

The Wolves outscored the Warriors 72-50 in the paint and tied for the 3rd most (72) by any team in a playoff game over the last 25 years. They are also the fifth sixth-seed to play in the Conference Finals since the NBA moved to an expanded playoff format in 1984, joining 2024 Pacers, 1995 Rockets, 1989 Bulls and 1984 Suns. Only Rockets have won the champion after landing at No. 6 in the playoffs.

Anthony Edwards NBA Playoffs Record – What is Ant Man’s Win-Loss Record in the NBA Playoffs?

Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Anthony Edwards

Minnesota Timberwolves

Timberwolves vs Warriors

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.