A Halftime Wake-Up Call
Trailing at halftime and outworked on the glass, the Minnesota Timberwolves needed a spark. Anthony Edwards gave them one — with his voice.
“I told them, ‘We only got two wins. I’ve never seen a series end 2-1,’” Edwards said.
That message set the tone for what followed: a blistering 39-17 third quarter that turned a deficit into a statement. It was the largest single-quarter point differential in Wolves playoff history.
Edwards Takes Over
Edwards scored 16 of his 30 points in the third quarter alone, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and nearly matching Golden State’s entire team output (17). It was a display of both leadership and execution.
“He was one of the most vocal guys at halftime,” said coach Chris Finch. “He recognized what was happening out there and decided to change it.”
Edwards finished with 30 points (11-of-21 FG) and five assists — his third 30-point game of the playoffs and second straight.
Veteran Presence, Rising Star
Julius Randle added 31 points on matching 11-of-21 shooting, plus five rebounds. But he made sure the spotlight stayed on Edwards.
“It’s Ant,” Randle said. “He’s the brightest star in the room. He’s got that ‘it’ factor.”
Minnesota’s offensive punch was matched by defensive adjustments. After being out-rebounded 25-15 in the first half, the Wolves flipped the script and held the Warriors to just 36.8% shooting in the third.
Key Contributions Across the Board
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Jaden McDaniels: 13 rebounds (postseason career high), 10 points
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Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting
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Minnesota held Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to 9 second-half points (down from 27 in the first half)
One Win Away, But the Job Isn’t Done
With a 3-1 lead and a closeout game coming at home, Minnesota is in control. But the team is staying focused.
“It’s far from over,” Alexander-Walker said. “This one is going to be harder than the first three.”
The Timberwolves will try to finish the series and secure back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals when Game 5 tips off Wednesday night at Target Center.
