Golden State beat Minnesota 99-88 in Game 1 despite losing Stephen Curry to a hamstring injury during the second quarter.
Anthony Edwards missed his first 10 shots, while the Timberwolves failed on their first 16 attempts from three-point range.
Edwards and Minnesota start cold
Edwards had one point at half-time before recovering to finish with 23 points and 14 rebounds.
Minnesota shot 5 of 29 from beyond the arc, extending a slump that began in its first-round finale against the Lakers.
Coach Chris Finch said Edwards arrived with a predetermined plan instead of responding to the game in front of him.
Finch demands energy from his leader
Finch believed Edwards allowed his missed shots to affect his energy and body language.
He also criticised Minnesota’s transition decisions and the team’s failure to generate consistent quality shots.
Edwards accepted responsibility, saying the blame could fall on him because he had not played well enough.
Warriors adjust after Curry injury
Curry scored 13 points in 13 minutes before reaching for the back of his left leg and leaving the game.
Steve Kerr used 12 players and a zone defence as Golden State built a 23-point lead. Buddy Hield scored 24, Jimmy Butler had 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, and Draymond Green added 18.
Naz Reid scored 19 for the Timberwolves, but their shooting collapse cost them home-court advantage. Golden State took the opener and forced Minnesota to respond against a team that had already adapted without its biggest star.
