How to watch Warriors vs. Timberwolves, Game 2
Golden State basketball is on the way! Come join our game thread and chat about tonight’s matchup here.
The Golden State Warriors continue their second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. The game will be played at 5:30 PM PT in Minneapolis and can be watched on TNT.
Previously with the Warriors:
Golden State successfully stole home-court advantage with a 99-88 win in Game 1 on Tuesday night. The Warriors set the tone early with suffocating defense, holding Minnesota to just 31 first-half points—the Timberwolves’ lowest-scoring half of the season. Buddy Hield and Jimmy Butler led the way offensively, combining for 44 points, but it was Draymond Green who energized the team on both ends, finishing with 18 points—including four made threes—and his usual standout defense.
Buddy, Jimmy, and Draymond step up to secure the Game 1 road win @buddyhield: 24 PTS, 5 3PM, 8 REB@JimmyButler: 20 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST, 2 STL@Money23Green: 18 PTS, 4 3PM, 8 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025
GSW/MIN Game 2: Thursday at 8:30pm/et on TNT! pic.twitter.com/lwNeGPQqYG
However, the story of Game 1 was the injury to Stephen Curry. The Warriors superstar exited the game in the second quarter with what was later diagnosed as a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. Curry will miss Game 2 and is expected to be out for at least one week while he recovers.
"I just felt terrible for [Steph]. I went in at halftime, he already had ice on his hamstring, and he was sitting on the floor in the locker room in the middle of the whole team.
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 8, 2025
I didn't say much of anything. I just gave him a hug...It's just so devastating to see someone who… pic.twitter.com/GX5DkyMPXT
What to watch for tonight:
Without Curry for Game 2, the Warriors will need to find new ways to attack this Timberwolves team—starting with defense. Head coach Steve Kerr praised his team’s Game 1 effort, particularly along the perimeter where they held Minnesota to just 5-of-29 shooting from three (17.2%). That defensive identity will be crucial again as they try to weather Curry’s absence.
Steve Kerr on the Warriors’ survival plan: “We think we have the best defense in the league. That’s been proven over the last couple months.” pic.twitter.com/eGYpsaAI9Z
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 7, 2025
Offensively, Golden State will need to rely even more on its supporting cast. To help add more shooting, the Warriors may look to insert Moses Moody or Quinten Post into the starting lineup. While both have struggled from deep lately, their presence alone should help pull Rudy Gobert out of the paint and open up driving lanes for easier looks on offense.
On the other side, Minnesota head coach Chris Finch voiced frustrations with the officiating in Game 1—particularly a lack of foul calls on Gobert.
Chris Finch on the Warriors in Game 1: “They do a lot of fouling, holding, shoving, pushing and tackling Rudy [Gobert].” Finch said the Wolves have submitted clips to the league office to review the officiating and what was missed. pic.twitter.com/lMSltie2oq
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 7, 2025
However, the Warriors, fresh off perhaps the most physical first-round series in this year’s playoffs against the Houston Rockets, appeared unfazed by the Timberwolves’ complaints.
Steve Kerr on these Chris Finch comments
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 7, 2025
“They’re bear-hugging Steph. They could’ve called six fouls.”
“I’ve got my complaints, too. We all do.”
“I’m getting ready to send my own clips into the league.” https://t.co/Zy2Hd0RI0v pic.twitter.com/24cszcdZHf
Kevon Looney on physicality against Rudy Gobert and T-Wolves coach Chris Finch’s complains/submissions to the league after Game 1.
— John Dickinson (@JDJohnDickinson) May 7, 2025
“Not really. Last series I feel like was way worse than anything I did last game. It’s the playoffs. I’m gonna grab and push until they call it.” pic.twitter.com/JJV7cgoJbm
“I think Rudy (Gobert) is a whole foot taller than me so what do you want me to do?”
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 7, 2025
Podz after he was asked about Chris Finch’s comments about him fouling Gobert pic.twitter.com/sICpQAVHO0
If the Warriors can replicate their defensive intensity and get timely contributions from their role players, they’ll have a strong chance to take a commanding 2-0 series lead—even without their best player in Curry. But with Minnesota expected to come out with more physicality and urgency, Game 2 will be a grind—one Golden State will need to embrace and rise to the challenge once again.
Enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!!
Projected Starters
Warriors: Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, Draymond Green
Timberwolves: Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert
How to watch NBA Playoffs West Semifinals Game 2
Who: Golden State Warriors (1 - 0) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (0 - 1)
When: Thursday, May 8th, at 5:30 p.m. PT
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
TV: TNT (available on fuboTV)