GSW vs Timberwolves — Round 2 Showdown: Who Will Rule the West?

NBA PLAYOFFS

By John WickPublished 9 months ago • 3 min read

GSW VS TIMBERWOLVES: The 2025 NBA Playoffs are heating up as the Golden State Warriors lock horns with the Minnesota Timberwolves in a thrilling second-round clash. It’s a battle between dynasty and youth, precision and power, and legacy and hunger.

Let’s dive into the complete breakdown: team strengths and weaknesses, head-to-head matchups, stats, and who’s most likely to come out on top.

Series Overview of GSW vs Timberwolves

Start Date: May 8, 2025

Format: Best-of-seven

Game 1 Location: Minnesota (Homecourt advantage)

This is more than just a second-round series — it’s a contrast in identities. The Warriors, with their championship pedigree, face a Timberwolves squad eager to make history behind the rise of Anthony Edwards.

Golden State Warriors: The Dynasty Isn’t Done

Strengths:

Playoff Experience

No team in this year’s playoffs has more battle-tested talent than GSW. Led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and newly added veteran Jimmy Butler, they know how to close games under pressure.

Elite Ball Movement

Steve Kerr’s offensive scheme is still a thing of beauty. Crisp passing, off-ball screens, and timely threes give them spacing and scoring options no matter the matchup.

Weaknesses:

Aging Core

While still effective, the Warriors’ core is slowing down. Their margin for error is thinner when facing younger, more athletic teams.

Interior Defense & Rebounding

Without a dominant center, GSW is vulnerable inside — a critical factor against Minnesota’s twin-tower setup.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Hungry, Young, and Ready

Strengths:

Top-Tier Defense

Anchored by Rudy Gobert, Minnesota’s defense is elite. They switch well, protect the rim, and close out on shooters with intensity.

Anthony Edwards’ Ascension

The breakout star of the playoffs, Edwards brings swagger, shot-making, and leadership. He’s averaging over 27 PPG in the postseason and thrives under pressure.

Size Advantage

The pairing of Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns gives Minnesota a clear edge in size and paint control.

Weaknesses:

Playoff Inexperience

Aside from Gobert and Conley, most of the Wolves haven’t gone deep into playoff waters. Experience could play a factor in late-game scenarios.

Inconsistent Shooting

When their shooters go cold, Minnesota struggles to keep up in high-octane scoring stretches — something GSW can exploit.

Key Matchups of GSW vs Timberwolves

Stephen Curry vs. Anthony Edwards

Curry brings unmatched playoff experience, off-ball mastery, and clutch shooting.

Edwards brings athleticism, slashing, and scoring versatility.

This duel could decide the series.

Draymond Green vs. Karl-Anthony Towns

Can Draymond’s defensive IQ and toughness offset Towns’ shooting and interior presence?

This is where the small-ball vs. big-ball debate takes center stage.

Bench Battles

Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Kyle Anderson provide depth for Minnesota.

GSW counters with Gary Payton II, Kuminga, and the X-factor: Chris Paul (who may control tempo off the bench).

Coaching Duel: Kerr vs. Finch

Steve Kerr has 4 titles, countless playoff battles, and the respect of every locker room.

Chris Finch is one of the most innovative minds in the NBA, having turned the Wolves into a defensive juggernaut while empowering Edwards as a primary star.

This series will test Finch’s ability to adapt in real-time against one of the league’s best tacticians.

Intangibles of GSW vs Timberwolves

GSW’s Championship DNA — You can’t count them out. Period.

Minnesota’s Momentum & Confidence — After dispatching their first-round opponent convincingly, the Wolves are surging.

Series Prediction on GSW vs Timberwolves

This is a stylistic clash that could go the distance.

If Minnesota controls the pace, dominates the boards, and keeps Edwards hot, they will frustrate GSW and win the series.

If Curry explodes, Butler gives them big defensive stops, and GSW finds rhythm from three, they could steal this in six.

Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves in 6 games.

Why? Size, defense, and the rise of Anthony Edwards.

Caveat: If the series hits Game 7 — experience might tilt it back to GSW.

Final Thoughts on GSW vs Timberwolves

This series is not just about who advances. It’s a story of old guard vs. new era, a defining battle for the West. Will the Warriors extend their dynasty one more time, or will the Timberwolves take the next step toward a Finals berth?

One thing is for sure: basketball fans are in for a war of styles, minds, and wills.