2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West Semifinals: #6 Minnesota Timberwolves vs #7 Golden State Warriors (MIN leads 2-1)

[Zeno]

This game and yesterday’s Cavs/Pacers game, it almost feels like the clock is moving at half speed.

[wraith985]

Does finch run any kind of offense? Or is it just Ant and pray?

We run a drive a kick offense that usually starts with Ant drawing a double, kicking to Ju, collapsing the defense and using Jaden and Naz as tertiary drivers. What the Warriors have done to fluster us is guard Ant very differently. They're not showing him help early, and dared Ant to drive. Once Ant gets into the defense, they run late collapses aimed at cutting off his preferred playmaking reads. Draymond and Jimmy (but also Looney, Payton and a few other Warriors smarties) are really good at this.

Wolves want Randle attacking off the catch, but Warriors want Randle iso'd and static. The Warriors in general are doing a wonderful job of taking away the ways we live to initate offense.

The problem isn't our offensive system, it's that Golden State's defense is doing a beautiful job of busting our offensive system. Obviously it hurts to watch as a guy rooting for the Wolves, but I can't help but appreciate how smart Golden State is. We're playing against our dads and they know all our moves.

This is why the playoffs are different than the regular season. You can scheme against a team's particular tendencies and comfort zones and Kerr is doing a great job. It's only close right now because the Warriors' #1 guy is missing tbh.

[CIN-C-STAR]

Out of all these teeams Wolves are the least impressive. If they lose this series facing a curryless warriors it's shameful.

We're a very up and down team.
You're overreacting to us playing bad right now. We're only down 3 while playing like dog water.

I just dont see it with this minny team. I'd have thought they'd come out wanting to stomp on GSW knowing Curry is out. Instead what we get is Warriors looking like the better team.

I might be overreacting but it'll still remain shameful if Finch loses a series against a warriors missing their superstar. Should also question where the teams mentality is at.

I don’t see Minny as fodder either for the record.
They just have a habit of playing down to their competition.
And are highly dependent on ANT & 3-point shooting variance, which makes them a high variance team.
But in a single matchup I’d give them a decent shot against anyone in the West. They all have their warts tbh.

[G35]

Finally Randle is making Draymond pay for over committing and going strong to the basket. No more fadeaways.....

[Bank Shot]

What’s up with this Butler III crap? Why is he just using the III now?

It's like when Mike Conley Jr. just stopped being called Conley Jr. out of nowhere.

Marcus Morris adding a Sr. to his jersey has always triggered me. It just looks wrong.

[IG2]

Ant's stepped up huge in this 2nd half. Do love his fearlessness.

[cupcakesnake]

Ant looking off open Naz to post up Randle is insanity.

[LockoutSeason]

Both teams have 2 players in double figures in scoring.

It’s like a game straight out of 2003.

[IG2]

Butler's gotta be tired

[Tracymcgoaty]

I dont think Randle can count.

[BigDan245]

Scott Foster the goat

[KGDirkTD_Fan]

Charles Barkley would own Draymond in the post, I don't understand why players now cannot score over a 6'7 guy who cannot block their shot....

That archetype been killed for some skinny 4 and 5s who just play 5 out and jack up 3s. its so lame. I get people might not love Randle's play but a lot of teams probably wish they could get his skill set when their offense was absolutely stuck.

[cjx]

History repeats itself, Fam

GP's son guarding MJ's son !

[cupcakesnake]

I don't mind Randle on Butler. He's bigger and stronger and has a length advantage.

[2weekswithpay]

Surprised Jimmy isn't getting any calls.

[Zeno]

Old man Jimmy needs a rest.

[wraith985]

Second time Randle didn't get the ball out of his hands in time. If those five points were on the board, GS would be way behind the 8 ball.

[76ciology]

Strangely not a single Knicks fan tonight in this thread

Someone past away ?

[ArksNetsSince99]

History repeats itself, Fam

GP's son guarding MJ's son !

I still have doubts if it’s GP son for real

[nitric0]

Jimmy can't buy a whistle in the fourth