Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) hangs on the rim after a dunk during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis.
Even without their talisman Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors opened the Western Conference semifinals with a gritty 99-88 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, showcasing their depth, discipline, and defensive muscle. Buddy Hield, fresh off a strong Game 7 performance, again lit it up from deep, scoring 24 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Veteran forward Draymond Green added 18 points with four first-half threes, while Jimmy Butler flirted with a triple-double, contributing 20 points, 11 boards, and 8 assists. The Warriors used all 12 players and turned up the heat on defense to compensate for Curry라이브 바카라 absence due to a hamstring strain, grabbing a crucial 1-0 series lead as the Timberwolves failed to hold home court.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) hangs on the rim after a dunk during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green (23) brings the ball up the court defended by Minnesota Timberwolves' Julus Randle (30) in the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) celebrates during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) handles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) gestures after making a 3-point shot during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) handles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30), left, gestures after making a 3-point shot as Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, right, reacts during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series in Minneapolis.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gestures during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis.