Edwards, Randle Dominate as Wolves Beat Warriors 117-110/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle powered the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Golden State Warriors 117-110, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. Edwards’ halftime buzzer-beater and fiery locker room speech helped spark a dominant third-quarter surge. The Timberwolves head home for Game 5 with a chance to close out the series.
Timberwolves Game 4 Victory Quick Looks:
- Anthony Edwards scores 30 points, Randle adds 31
- Timberwolves lead series 3-1 heading back to Minnesota
- Edwards’ deep buzzer-beater shifts momentum at halftime
- 17-0 third-quarter run breaks game open for Wolves
- Warriors again without Stephen Curry (hamstring injury)
- Jonathan Kuminga scores 23 off bench for Golden State
- Minnesota out-rebounds and out-hustles sluggish Warriors squad
- Jaden McDaniels posts double-double with 10 points, 13 boards
- Game 5 set for Wednesday in Minneapolis
- Warriors’ 3-point shooting continues to falter at 8-of-27
Deep Look: Timberwolves Take Control of Series with Game 4 Win Over Warriors
SAN FRANCISCO — The Minnesota Timberwolves moved within one win of the Western Conference Finals on Monday night, defeating the Golden State Warriors 117-110 behind standout performances from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Now leading the series 3-1, Minnesota will return to home court for Game 5 with a golden opportunity to close out the series.
The turning point came just before halftime. With seconds ticking down, Edwards pulled up from 30 feet and drained a momentum-shifting buzzer-beater, cutting Golden State’s lead to just two at the break. That shot not only energized the Timberwolves but set the stage for a third-quarter explosion.
“It was huge because it felt like one of those games where we were going to struggle to find a rhythm,” said Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. “His shot made it pretty much an even game, and if we came out with the type of purpose we needed to, I felt we were going to be OK.”
And Minnesota was more than OK after the break. Led by Edwards and Randle, the Timberwolves outscored Golden State 39-17 in the third quarter, including a blistering 17-0 run that turned a tight contest into a rout.
Edwards the Emotional and Scoring Leader
Edwards, who tallied 30 points, hit consecutive 3-pointers during that crucial third-quarter surge. The All-Star guard wasn’t just delivering on the scoreboard — he also delivered a fiery halftime speech that set the tone for the team’s second-half intensity.
“Coach came in and said we’re playing like we already won the series pretty much, and I didn’t like that,” Edwards said. “I told them we’ve only got two wins.”
Randle also brought his playoff firepower to the floor, scoring 31 points and drawing multiple defenders throughout the night. The Timberwolves’ balanced attack and focused defensive execution held the Warriors at bay even as Golden State mounted late surges.
Warriors Faltering Without Curry
Golden State once again played without two-time MVP Stephen Curry, who missed his third consecutive game with a strained left hamstring. The team announced he would be re-evaluated on Wednesday, the day of Game 5.
Draymond Green, who scored 14 points alongside Jimmy Butler (14) and Buddy Hield (13), stressed that the team won’t rush Curry back.
“We’re not going to Superman this thing,” Green said. “If he’s in a place where he can play, I’m sure he will.”
Jonathan Kuminga provided a spark off the bench for Golden State, scoring 23 points and going 11-of-12 from the free throw line. However, the Warriors once again struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc, shooting just 8-of-27 on 3-point attempts.
Minnesota’s Game Plan Stifles Warriors’ Strengths
Despite missing their leading scorer, Golden State had hoped to regain their signature shooting groove. But Finch’s defensive scheme was built around closing out on shooters and limiting perimeter damage. That strategy paid off, as the Warriors were unable to generate their usual flurries from deep.
“We tried to keep them off balance and make sure their shooters didn’t get hot,” said Finch. “I thought we executed the game plan well, especially in the second half.”
Tempers Flare, But Wolves Stay Composed
Midway through the second quarter, tensions briefly escalated when Jaden McDaniels grabbed the back of Buddy Hield’s jersey and appeared to tug at his neck. The play was reviewed after a chorus of “You can’t do that!” rang out from Warriors fans, but officials ruled it a common foul.
McDaniels stayed focused, finishing with 10 points and 13 rebounds, helping Minnesota dominate the glass and control tempo down the stretch.
Looking Ahead: Closeout Opportunity in Minneapolis
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night at the Target Center, where the Timberwolves will look to clinch the series in front of a home crowd. With momentum firmly in their favor and the Warriors hampered by injury and inconsistency, Minnesota is in prime position to punch its ticket to the Western Conference Finals.
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