Golden State Warriors are back on home court in the playoffs as they go head to head with Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference semi-finals on Saturday night.
The first two games have been split, with both sides picking up one win apiece, and we anticipate a thrilling contest at the Chase Center as they head into the weekend looking to take control of the series.
Match preview
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With offensive leader Stephen Curry sidelined after sustaining a hamstring injury in Game 1, the Golden State Warriors needed to show their mettle in their bid to go 2-0 up against a vengeful Minnesota side looking to level the series on Friday.
However, Steve Kerr's men endured a slow start to the clash at the Target Center as the Timberwolves kicked off the contest with a 13-0 run, setting the foundation for what eventually became a 24-point victory.
Lacking their offensive leader on the floor, the Warriors finished with their poorest point tally in the first quarter of a playoff game (15) since Game 6 of the finals back in 2016, when they rallied just 11 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jonathan Kuminga turned in a solid display off the bench for Golden State, netting a team-high 18 points while Jimmy Butler tallied 17 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists in 34 minutes of action.
Prior to that, Curry (22) and Buddy Hield (33) combined for 55 points to fire Kerr's side to a 103-89 victory over the Houston Rockets in a thrilling Game 7 of the Western Conference first round, extending their record against the Rockets to 5-0 in the playoffs before stealing Game 1 of the semi-finals courtesy of a 99-88 win over Minnesota on May 7.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves shot 50% from the field on Thursday night, including 16-of-37 from beyond the arc as they powered their way to a 117-93 blowout victory over the Warriors to level the series to one game apiece.
It was a collective effort across the board for Minnesota as four players finished with 15+ points, led by experienced forward Julius Randle, who dropped 24 points and 11 assists to record his first double-double of the playoffs.
Anthony Edwards and Nickeil Alexander-Walker tallied 20 points each, with the former adding nine rebounds and five assists, while 24-year-old forward Jaden McDaniels knocked down 16 points on an efficient 70% shooting from the field.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have now won four of their most recent five matches in the playoffs, including three consecutive victories over the Los Angeles Lakers, a run which saw them send JJ Redick's men packing in the first round courtesy of a 4-1 win.
Chris Finch's men will be backing themselves to take control of this series on Saturday as they journey to the Chase Center where they have won four of their last five visits, with a 114-106 loss in December being the exception.
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Team News
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The Minnesota Timberwolves remain without 20-year-old guard Rob Dillingham, who has been out of action since sustaining an ankle injury against the Brooklyn Nets on April 9.
Randle has enjoyed a solid playoff campaign so far and the 30-year-old is currently the Timberwolves' second-leading scorer in the post season (22.1), only behind Edwards (25.5).
The Golden State Warriors will have to cope without floor general Curry, who is set to be evaluated next week after sustaining a hamstring injury in Game 1 last Wednesday.
Draymond Green picked up his fifth technical foul of the playoffs after elbowing Naz Reid on Thursday night and the 35-year-old is now two short of a one-game suspension.
Golden State Warriors possible starting 5:
Podziemski, Hield, Green, Post, Butler
Minnesota Timberwolves possible starting 5:
Conley, Edwards, Gobert, Randle, McDaniels
We say: The Minnesota Timberwolves to win by 3+ points.
Joshua Ojele
