By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Extending a perfect start for away teams in the Conference Semifinals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google to five games, the Golden State Warriors topped the Minnesota Timberwolves, 99-88, in Target Center on Tuesday.
They overcame an early exit of Stephen Curry in Game 1 of a best-of-seven series of the Western Conference. After putting up 13 points in 13 minutes, the 37-year-old guard did not return due to a strained left hamstring. Buddy Hield registered a game-high 24 points. Dutch reserve Quinten Post played six minutes and grabbed one rebound.
French Rudy Gobert, the starting center of the Wolves, finished with nine points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks in 26 minutes. Bosnian Luka Garza stayed on the bench.
Scoring the last eight points, including a three-pointer by Tyrese Haliburton with 1.1 seconds on the clock, the Indiana Pacers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 120-119. A second win in Rocket Center made it 2-0 before the Eastern Conference Semifinals series moves to Indianapolis.
2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google
Conference Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
East
Cleveland Cavaliers – Miami Heat 4-0 (121-100, 121-112, 124-87, 138-83)
Boston Celtics – Orlando Magic 4-1 (103-86, 109-100, 93-95, 107-98, 120-89)
New York Knicks – Detroit Pistons 4-2 (123-112, 94-100, 118-116, 94-93, 103-106, 116-113)
Indiana Pacers – Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 (117-98, 123-115, 101-117, 129-103, 119-118)
West
Oklahoma City Thunder – Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 (131-80, 118-99, 114-108, 117-115)
Houston Rockets – Golden State Warriors 3-4 (85-95, 109-94, 93-104, 106-109, 131-116, 115-107, 89-103)
Los Angeles Lakers – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-4 (95-117, 94-85, 104-116, 113-116, 96-103)
Denver Nuggets – Los Angeles Clippers 4-3 (112-110, 102-105, 83-117, 101-99, 131-115, 105-111, 120-101)
Conference Semifinals (best-of-seven)
East
Cleveland Cavaliers – Indiana Pacers 0-2 (112-121, 119-120)
Boston Celtics – New York Knicks 0-1 (105-108)
West
Oklahoma City Thunder – Denver Nuggets 0-1 (119-121)
Minnesota Timberwolves – Golden State Warriors 0-1 (88-99)