After losing home court and scoring 88 points on 39.5% shooting in Game 1, there was little doubt that the Timberwolves would respond in a big way for Game 2. And boy did they respond, jumping out to a 29-15 lead after one quarter.
They did get a bit a scare in the third quarter when Golden State got within seven points, but the Timberwolves didn’t wilt, responded, then cruised to the 117-93 win to tie the series up.
Minnesota shot 50.6% from the field and went 16-of-37 from downtown after going 5-of-29 from beyond the arc in Game 1.
Julius Randle ($9,600 Showdown; 50.25 FPTS) led the way with 24 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists in 33 minutes of work.
Anthony Edwards ($12,000; 47.25 FPTS) put up 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a block and three steals. He suffered a sprained ankle midway through the second quarter when a Warriors player stepped on his left ankle after a layup attempt, but Edwards was able to return and started the third quarter.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($3,200; 30.5 FPTS) was great value, going for 20 points, two rebounds, three assists and a block in 26 minutes.
Jaden McDaniels ($7,200; 30.5 FPTS) continued his stellar two-way play, scoring 16 points while racking up three blocks and three steals.
Rudy Gobert ($8,000; 14.75 FPTS) finished with a measly five points and nine rebounds in 27 minutes.
For Golden State, Stephen Curry did not play, which meant everyone else had to step up. That did not happen on this night.
Jimmy Butler ($11,200; 33.75 FPTS) only had 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal.
Brandin Podziemski ($7,000; 31 FPTS) did contribute 11 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals.
You know things were bad when Trayce Jackson-Davis ($1,000; 27.5 FPTS) played 19 minutes, but he ended up being the value play of the night. TJD contributed 15 points, six rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal.
Jonathan Kuminga ($2,800; 25.25 FPTS) played 26 minutes and finished with 18 points, five rebounds and an assist.
Game 3 is Saturday in Golden State.
