Huge Third Quarter Lifts Timberwolves to 3-1 Series Lead over Warriors

Winning a championship is no easy task. While it’s easy to forget in a league as dominated by dynasties as the NBA, getting to the top takes a strong mix of talent, perseverance, and luck.

It’s a hard blend for any team to achieve, and it’s even more difficult to replicate. That’s something the Warriors know all too well. Golden State is undoubtedly a dynasty.

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

They have been one of the best teams for the past decade, and even on the tail-end of their success they’ve managed to win big time and time again.

This season, however, things might not pan out.

Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler are indeed a dominant duo capable of winning on any given night

The Warriors also have a strong bench and have proven they can step up to big challenges in just about any situation. They just need Curry to do it.

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Falling Flat Again

After a thrilling upset of the Houston Rockets in round one, it seemed Golden State was primed to another big series in round two. Then, they lost Curry to a hamstring injury.

Though Butler is a proven leader and game manager, game four against the Timberwolves was yet another example of why the Warriors aren’t complete without the greatest shooter of all time.

The team went into the contest knowing the game’s importance

Being down 1-2, they couldn’t afford to slip into a two game deficit against a young and resilient Minnesota team.

Led by Butler, they managed to keep things close early on. While their defense was not as stout as it had been in previous games, the Warriors did a solid job of working the ball around, getting people involved in the offense, and finding the right shots at the right time.

Jonathan Kuminga, who ended the game with 23 points, led the charge, while Butler ran the offense

Behind them, the Warriors went into the half tied with Minnesota. At that point, it was pretty much anyone’s game.

Then the third quarter happened. Faster than Golden State could blink, Minnesota turned on the gas.

They exploded to a strong lead, pressed their advantage, sized up the smaller team, and hit big shots over and over again.

Before the Warriors knew it, the Timberwolves had a 22 point lead

It was a total breakdown for Golden State at all stages of the game. Their bench players went cold, their starters couldn’t compete, and Minnesota pulled away.

The Warriors took the fourth quarter, but the game was far out of reach at that point. The Timberwolves won 117-110.

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A Massive Deficit

Being down 1-3 is not a death sentence in the NBA, but it’s pretty close. The Rockets battled back from that deficit against the Warriors in the first round to tie the series, but such instances are few and far between. It’s even harder without your best player.

The Warriors just seemed completely outmatched against Minnesota

The Timberwolves always had the size advantage over Golden State. With Curry on the floor, they have to stretch out and guard the perimeter. Without him, they can play much more relaxed.

That’s a huge difference, and one that’s shown up time and time again

The Wolves do have a deeper team and more star power on paper, but all of that goes out the window when facing the duo of Butler and Curry. Just Butler hasn’t been enough.

It’s a perplexing issue, and one the Warriors can’t be too happy with. The ex-Heat star has spent plenty of time leading teams on incredible postseason runs.

He elevates bench players and knows how to inspire a team. In game four, he fell completely flat.

The superstar ended the game with just 14 points

He also never got into a rhythm and seemed as disconnected from the offense as the rest of the team. It could be a lack of chemistry or an inexperience, but whatever the reason it’s clear something needs to change.

A Big Game Five

The next game could well be the most critical contest in the entire series. Not only does it give the Timberwolves a chance to close the Warriors out at home, but if they can’t do it there are whispers that Curry might be back in game six.

If that happens, things could easily flip in the Warriors’ favor

That’s something Minnesota does not want to allow. Curry could return for the next contest too, but that’s something that’s much more nebulous.

While it might seem obvious that the Warriors would get Curry onto the court when facing elimination, the future hall of famer is unlikely to risk further, more serious injury just to be on the court.

He will only play, according to Draymond Green, if “he’s in a palace where he can play. We don’t need Superman. If he can, but there’s no pressure.”