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00:00:00We know this series will get tougher and tougher.
00:00:02Without Steph, the formula goes out the window.
00:00:04We all miss Steph.
00:00:06And until the end, we can hold down the fort.
00:00:10You're the leader of the team.
00:00:12You gotta come out and set the tone.
00:00:14It was the biggest game of our career,
00:00:16so I think we needed it really bad.
00:00:18Break away, two-headed slam.
00:00:21That might do it.
00:00:23This is not the team to be overconfident versus
00:00:25NAV championship DNA.
00:00:30This is how it works.
00:00:31You have to respond.
00:00:39It's game three between the Minnesota Timberwolves
00:00:42and the Golden State Warriors
00:00:43as we welcome you to the NBA playoffs
00:00:45presented by Google.
00:00:47It's the conference semifinals
00:00:49delivered by Chipotle.
00:00:51Gorgeous day in San Francisco.
00:00:53The two best road teams in the playoffs
00:00:55the last two years,
00:00:56the Boston Celtics
00:00:57and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
00:00:59That held true for Boston earlier today on ABC,
00:01:02getting back in this series with the Knicks.
00:01:04Minnesota, 8-3 in the playoffs on the road
00:01:06the last two years,
00:01:07trying to go up 2-1 on Golden State.
00:01:09Starting lineups brought to you by Popeyes,
00:01:12the usual five for Minnesota
00:01:13with 18-year pro Mike Conley
00:01:16joined by Anthony Edwards,
00:01:17Jaden McDaniels,
00:01:18Julius Randle,
00:01:19and Rudy Gobert.
00:01:21A different starting five for Golden State.
00:01:24Steph Curry missed game two.
00:01:25They went with Quinton Post as the center.
00:01:27Today, it's Trace Jackson Davis,
00:01:29his first ever playoff start.
00:01:31Green, Butler, Heal, Pajemski,
00:01:33the other four for the Warriors.
00:01:35Jimmy Butler has eight career 40-point playoff games
00:01:45and one playoff game where he scored more than 50.
00:01:48That is exactly the same amount as Steph Curry.
00:01:51Butler's very capable.
00:01:53We'll see if he does it here tonight.
00:01:54Draymond Green,
00:01:59one of the top defensive players in the league.
00:02:04He finished third in Defensive Player of the Year honors.
00:02:06A big reason why they won game one
00:02:08and were able to hang on after Steph Curry's injury
00:02:10in the second quarter.
00:02:13Anthony Edwards injured in the second quarter of game two.
00:02:16Sat the rest of the half,
00:02:17came back, played the entire second half.
00:02:19He's been a second-half guy in this series.
00:02:22Just eight first-half points.
00:02:23We'll see if that changes tonight.
00:02:26And Julius Randle missed the Knicks playoff run last year
00:02:30due to injury his first year in Minnesota.
00:02:32It feels like that Towns for Gobert
00:02:35or Towns for Randle trade has worked out very well
00:02:38for both teams.
00:02:40And Steph Curry said he was devastated
00:02:45when he suffered the hamstring injury.
00:02:47The first injury to his hamstring
00:02:52he suffered in his 16-year career.
00:02:54It's just his 14th career playoff game that he's missed.
00:02:56The Warriors are 9-4 without him in the postseason.
00:02:59No sweeps in the conference semis.
00:03:13It has been as entertaining a round so far as any we've seen
00:03:18in a long time in the NBA playoffs.
00:03:20And we're just getting started.
00:03:21We've got game three tonight,
00:03:23a couple of game fours tomorrow,
00:03:24and a doubleheader Monday night.
00:03:28Game fours in New York and back here at Chase Center.
00:03:33Scott Foster, David Guthrie, Mitchell Irvin, our officials,
00:03:36and we're ready to go for game three.
00:03:39It'll be Randle guarding Draymond Green.
00:03:54Jimmy Butler will be defended by Jaden McDaniels,
00:03:57second-team all-defense last year.
00:03:59Butler right off the bat, aggressive miss.
00:04:01The putback is good,
00:04:02but they're going to say a foul here on the Warriors.
00:04:05And Golden State wastes no time.
00:04:10You see their intent here early.
00:04:11The double pinned down into a ball screen for Jimmy Butler.
00:04:14Got a clean look on that first possession.
00:04:17Trace Jackson Davis gets caught pushing off.
00:04:21Here's Edwards.
00:04:22Really been looking to drive the ball here in the series.
00:04:25Struggled from three the last few games.
00:04:27Randle on the pull-up is good.
00:04:29Julius Randle, career high, 22 points per game this postseason.
00:04:32A little bit overzealous on that closeout by Draymond Green.
00:04:36I think you make Julius Randle take a three with a hand up to start the game.
00:04:42Jackson Davis, 19 minutes, had 15 points in a game two loss in Minnesota.
00:04:47Warriors were blown out of that game, 117-93.
00:04:51Here's Green up top, hit four threes in game one.
00:04:54Missed there.
00:04:55Offensive rebound, Pajemski.
00:04:58Now Randle has Butler in the corner with a shot clock at eight.
00:05:01Butler puts it on the floor and gets the floater.
00:05:07A lot of space there coming off that ball screen into the middle again.
00:05:11He loves that floater from about eight feet.
00:05:17Conley, the lob over the head of Gobert.
00:05:19And Gobert stepped out of bounds trying to save it.
00:05:23The first two times Jimmy Butler's got into basketball, you see what he's trying to do.
00:05:27Great job right there, making Mike Conley make a decision.
00:05:31Conley's just trying to hedge and get back.
00:05:33Jimmy Butler saw that.
00:05:34He lingered too long, and there was a lot of space there to get into the lane.
00:05:38Golden State got here by beating Houston in seven games, one on the road in game seven.
00:05:43Minnesota easily dispatched to the Lakers in five.
00:05:47Jackson Davis couldn't handle that pass, so a couple early mistakes by the second-year pro out of Indiana.
00:05:54Started 37 games during the regular season, but had bouts where he was out of the rotation.
00:06:00Same goes for Jonathan Kaminga.
00:06:02A lot of people thought he might start this game.
00:06:04Kaminga played really well offensively in game two.
00:06:07He'll be the first sub, says Steve Kerr tonight.
00:06:10Edwards couldn't get that one.
00:06:12Poked by Gobert out of bounds.
00:06:13Golden State, as they often do, you'll see four or five jerseys in that paint to defensive rebound.
00:06:21Actually have a plus-13 rebounding advantage in this series, despite the fact that they're significantly smaller.
00:06:29Randall and Green battling about 20 feet away from the cup.
00:06:34Now Heald on the cup, pulls up, missed the shot, and Gobert tracks down the rebound.
00:06:39Heald has been so good the last three games.
00:06:4233 points in game seven against Houston, 24 in game one, and played well in the game two loss.
00:06:49Randall for three.
00:06:51Gobert slaps it out to Edwards.
00:06:54Edwards, no good on his first shot attempt.
00:06:58And out of bounds, it'll be Minnesota ball, 13 to shoot.
00:07:06Yeah, Pajemski did a great job timing that step back by Anthony Edwards.
00:07:10He got full extension on that contest.
00:07:13Check that Edwards' second field goal try.
00:07:15Minnesota 1 of 5, Golden State 1 of 4.
00:07:18Shot clock at 8.
00:07:19Edwards pulls the trigger and knocks down a three ball.
00:07:23Led the league in May threes during the regular season, and then a turnover.
00:07:27Butler and Green not on the same page in the backcourt.
00:07:30Randall up top.
00:07:32Conley will fire and hit.
00:07:348-2 Minnesota.
00:07:36Yeah, Steve Kerr shaking his head after that backcourt turnover.
00:07:39And they've been sloppy with the ball for the first two games.
00:07:42But without Steph Curry, each possession even more valuable.
00:07:46You can't have unforced mistakes.
00:07:47They had 20 turnovers in game two, which led to 22 Minnesota points.
00:07:53That's been the issue when the Warriors have struggled all season has been the turnover.
00:07:58Here's Jackson Davis scoring inside against the shot-blocking Gobert.
00:08:09Three and a half minutes gone by in game three with a series caught at one.
00:08:12Randall on the step back.
00:08:15Too strong.
00:08:16Pajemski, another rebound.
00:08:17He's an excellent rebounding guard.
00:08:22Butler, very assertive here in the first few minutes, attacking the basket.
00:08:26But the rim-protected Gobert is there.
00:08:30Butler, 1 of 2.
00:08:32Driving again on Gobert.
00:08:33Stops, spins, puts up the shot.
00:08:35It's good.
00:08:35His second basket.
00:08:36And I like the fact that he finished that off with a shot.
00:08:39I've seen a lot of Jimmy Butler in the first two games come to that jump stop
00:08:43and immediately look to kick out.
00:08:46When they acquired him from Miami as Randall misses a three, they were under .500.
00:08:51Since then, the Warriors are 28-11, including here in the playoffs.
00:08:55He's been that big of a difference maker for Golden State.
00:09:01Green underneath.
00:09:02Jackson Davis, his second field goal.
00:09:04And a quick 6-0 Golden State run.
00:09:06He's giving them what they wanted, which was a little bit more size up front,
00:09:11athletic ability to finish, even if Gobert is in the area.
00:09:15He's already got two layups.
00:09:21Conley finds the cutting Edwards.
00:09:23Drives through the lane.
00:09:24Beautiful move.
00:09:25He's gotten so good at that downhill.
00:09:27Always under control.
00:09:29He's a great athlete, and sometimes those guys will rush that shot.
00:09:33Great patience on that step-through by Anthony Edwards to get to the other side,
00:09:38and then a quick shot and missed by Golden State has Minnesota operating again.
00:09:43Edwards trying to shake green.
00:09:45Randall goes right at the chest of Jackson Davis.
00:09:48No whistle.
00:09:48And then Randall has it knocked away by Heald, and out of bounds to the Warriors.
00:09:54All eight of Golden State's points have come in the lane.
00:09:57Minnesota's got two three-pointers to take a two-point lead.
00:10:01Anthony Edwards off to a good start.
00:10:03Has the three-point shot in there.
00:10:05And a beautiful job to the other side.
00:10:07Our Star Watch brought to you by PayPal.
00:10:15After five seasons with the Knicks, Julius Randall traded in the offseason.
00:10:20And the Carl Anthony Towns deal has had a great postseason so far.
00:10:24Off to a little bit of a slow start here in the first five minutes of the game.
00:10:27One for five.
00:10:28It's interesting.
00:10:29And talking with Julius and Chris Finch, the head coach for Minnesota,
00:10:32they admitted it took some time for this group to gel.
00:10:34It's rare you make a conference finals, something that doesn't come very often
00:10:38for Minnesota, first time in 20 years.
00:10:40And they make a huge trade.
00:10:41It took several months for that group to kind of figure it out.
00:10:44Now, they also dealt with injuries.
00:10:46Can't overstate how hard that is to go to new organization,
00:10:49new personalities to gel with.
00:10:51But more importantly, new spacing to get used to.
00:10:54And I think that was the hardest part for Julius Randall
00:10:56as Golden State turns it over again on a backcourt violation.
00:11:00And that's three unforced turnovers here in the first five-plus minutes.
00:11:04Randall told us, my job is to do a little bit of everything.
00:11:09But obviously, the biggest part is to make life easier for Anthony Edwards,
00:11:13who he said is the most confident player he's ever played with.
00:11:17Conley with the floater.
00:11:18And Mike Conley off to a terrific start here for Minnesota with five points.
00:11:22Well, Golden State goes zone on that possession,
00:11:25but they were so extended at the top.
00:11:27There was a massive driving lane for Mike Conley,
00:11:30who just took advantage of it way too easy against your perimeter shelf.
00:11:35Gary Payton coming off the bench and missed the shot.
00:11:38Rebound Gobert.
00:11:39So Kaminga turns out not to be the first guy off the bench.
00:11:43You've got both post who started game two, played three minutes.
00:11:46And Payton is the first reserves for Golden State.
00:11:48Edwards, wrap around to Gobert for the slam.
00:11:51Just eight points in six minutes for Golden State.
00:11:58They really struggled scoring in game two, obviously missing Steph.
00:12:02Draymond Green hits the deck.
00:12:03They're going to get Randall for a foul.
00:12:05That's the first on Minnesota.
00:12:06And you saw a lot of that exact action from Rudy Gobert in the last series
00:12:12against the Lakers.
00:12:14It hasn't been as big a factor in this series as we take a look at Draymond Green
00:12:20setting the foul, and Julius Randall just trying to go straight through it.
00:12:24And Draymond does a good job of selling that and gets the call.
00:12:30And Kaminga on the floor now.
00:12:32Dante DiVincenzo checking in and a foul call.
00:12:35Boy, I'm not sure that Kaminga would have caught that pass anyway.
00:12:38It was so high over his head, but they get DiVincenzo for the hole.
00:12:42I thought maybe Golden State picked up Victor Weminyama, and I missed it
00:12:45because I don't know who's catching this ball in the NBA besides him.
00:12:49But they caught a break there as DiVincenzo was able to wrap up Kaminga,
00:12:53and it really did prevent him from launching off the ground.
00:12:56But I'm still not sure he's catching that one.
00:12:59Kaminga played really well on offense.
00:13:00They want more defensive intensity, getting to lose balls for him to continue to get playing time.
00:13:07Things were not working well when he was on the floor with Butler and Green
00:13:10after he came back from injury about a month into the Butler trade.
00:13:16Shot clock at one.
00:13:17Peyton's got to put it up.
00:13:18It's another turnover.
00:13:19And that is four now on the Warriors, and they have just four baskets.
00:13:24And I think it's really important for Draymond Green to take that shot.
00:13:28It came to him.
00:13:29He had space.
00:13:29He made four in the first game.
00:13:32I know it's not necessarily his strength, but it does loosen up the defense
00:13:37if you take the one that's there.
00:13:38Hanging and finishing is Anthony Edwards.
00:13:41So how will the Warriors survive with Jimmy Butler,
00:13:44their next best offensive player on the bench?
00:13:47So far, not good.
00:13:48They're stuck on eight points here for the last couple minutes.
00:13:52Kaminga baseline jump shot goes down.
00:13:54He was eight for eight to start game two.
00:13:57What a big shot for Jonathan Kaminga.
00:13:59Picks up after having some success in game two,
00:14:02but he's got the athleticism to go up over the top of this length by Minnesota.
00:14:07Edwards lost it as he drove baseline, crashes into the first row.
00:14:12It was last touched by Golden State.
00:14:19Game four will be Monday night here on ESPN.
00:14:22Game five back in the Twin Cities on Wednesday.
00:14:25If there is a game six, there's a three-day gap to accommodate the Valkyries,
00:14:32the new WNBA team here, playing its home opener for the Warriors.
00:14:35And their franchise, that actually ends up helping Steph Curry
00:14:39because he gets now a couple of days rest.
00:14:41If he's not back for game five, a little more time to perhaps return for game six,
00:14:46which would be a week from Sunday.
00:14:52Foul on post, his first.
00:14:55And the second on Golden State, free throws for Randall.
00:14:57Look at the upcoming playoff schedule brought to you by Infinity.
00:15:07You've got game three, or game four, rather, between Denver and Oklahoma City
00:15:11with Denver up two games to one in that series.
00:15:13TNT tomorrow.
00:15:14Cleveland trying to even things up with the Pacers.
00:15:16NBA draft lottery.
00:15:18Where will Cooper Flagg go?
00:15:19We will find out on Monday night.
00:15:21Whoever gets the first pick.
00:15:22And then Nick Celtics, followed by game four here.
00:15:27I think your point was accurate here without Jimmy Butler.
00:15:31The identity for their offense.
00:15:32It has to be Kaminga, I think, first option.
00:15:34Pajemski also has to be aggressive in ball screen, as he is right here.
00:15:38Pajemski no good.
00:15:39And rebound by McDaniels.
00:15:4110 of the 11 shots for Golden State have been twos, as Minnesota with a bad turnover.
00:15:50The second by the Wolves.
00:15:54And Butler back on the floor.
00:15:56Steve Kerr told us Butler might play 42 minutes in this game,
00:15:58so he rested there for about two minutes.
00:16:01Enough to get a drink.
00:16:02That's about it.
00:16:03Take a couple breaths and get back to the table.
00:16:07I think Steve Kerr understands momentum in a series.
00:16:10He understands how important it is to get a win here at home,
00:16:13to extend the series as they wait for Steph Curry.
00:16:16Boy, a ton of contact.
00:16:17A little bit late on the whistle, but it was a foul on Nas Reid,
00:16:21and that will send Butler to the line.
00:16:23We mentioned the top of the telecast, the play-in game for Jimmy Butler.
00:16:28In that game, he went to the line 18 times.
00:16:31In this series, he's only gone to the line 11.
00:16:34That's one of the reasons why they got him legs.
00:16:36He's excellent at getting the free throw line.
00:16:38He needs to do that more.
00:16:39Yeah, and those numbers have come down in terms of attempts.
00:16:42So he was 7.5 basically per game in the regular season for the Warriors.
00:16:48Overall, to this point in the playoffs,
00:16:52that number's come down to 6.9 per game,
00:16:56and in this series through two games, 5.5.
00:16:58And I think that is where you make up the gap offensively.
00:17:02The other thing David does, it helps them set up their half-court defense,
00:17:06which is an elite defense.
00:17:08It gives them better opportunity to get set and communicate.
00:17:11Check in with Katie for more.
00:17:13Yeah, guys, Jimmy Butler said he's not a volume shooter,
00:17:15never has been, and probably never will be.
00:17:17But he's going to play the right way.
00:17:20Oh, makes the pass, but can't get it.
00:17:23Can't make it down to the same page.
00:17:24Go ahead, Katie.
00:17:25Yeah, but he's going to play the right way,
00:17:27just like we saw there, giving the ball up to make a pass.
00:17:29And, you know, the right way, given the circumstances,
00:17:31and likely the aggressive way.
00:17:32Steve Kerr said he had a good conversation this morning with Butler.
00:17:36He said, I didn't even have to tell him.
00:17:37He was preparing to play super aggressive tonight.
00:17:39He has a knack for understanding what's needed,
00:17:42and they need him aggressive, guys.
00:17:44Unfortunately, the turnovers have been a problem for Butler in this game
00:17:47and on the Warriors in general.
00:17:48Again, five turnovers, five baskets, and now a foul on Kaminga, his first.
00:17:52And I think that last fast break, that two-on-one,
00:17:54Jimmy Butler really has three options there.
00:17:56Take it yourself.
00:17:57Try to get contact.
00:17:59Throw a lob to Kaminga or a bounce pass.
00:18:01He chose option four, which was like a direct pass,
00:18:04and Kaminga was pointing up.
00:18:06He wanted that ball thrown up.
00:18:07It's just a miscommunication, but it's a lost opportunity.
00:18:12And Rudy Gobert, 67% during the regular season.
00:18:16He's much improved over the course of his career as a foul shooter.
00:18:27You mentioned this earlier.
00:18:28Gobert dominated game five against the Lakers with a smaller lineup.
00:18:33The Warriors go small a lot.
00:18:35He has not had the same impact yet when they've gone small.
00:18:39They've got Looney on the floor right now as the backup five behind Jackson Davis.
00:18:44Missed the free throw.
00:18:45Out to Edwards.
00:18:46Wide open.
00:18:47Edwards can't knock it down.
00:18:48Rebound Kaminga.
00:18:51Minnesota by eight.
00:18:52Just 11 Warrior points.
00:18:54Kaminga very aggressive, and he'll go to the line.
00:18:57Fourth-team foul on Minnesota.
00:19:03Second personal on Reed.
00:19:04Yeah, and I love this, Dave, by Kaminga.
00:19:06He had no other intent other than to take this up strong to the rim and get contact.
00:19:11He doesn't take this first shot.
00:19:13The step-through is what gives him the opportunity to get Nas Reed compromised
00:19:17and forced to contact, goes to the line for two free ones.
00:19:22Injuries have been a problem for Kaminga, but Warrior fans have been waiting for him to break out.
00:19:28What's it going to take, Legs, for him to take the next step?
00:19:31I think just, you know, at some point, I think the light switch goes on.
00:19:35The talent is something that we all can see.
00:19:39It's the consistency and doing all of the other little things to help your team win.
00:19:46I think on a consistent basis, that is what the Warriors have been waiting for from Jonathan Kaminga.
00:19:51One on a two on that trip.
00:19:53Reed fumbled it away, but able to get to it.
00:19:56Good hands, Looney.
00:19:57Got the deflection and forced the turnover.
00:20:03Butler on the face-up.
00:20:05Alexander Walker right at his grill.
00:20:07Butler penetrates.
00:20:09Missed the shot.
00:20:10And Gobert with the rebound.
00:20:11Butler two of four, five points, and seven minutes play.
00:20:15But a good sign that he looked to score on that possession when he got that deep, rather than be a facilitator.
00:20:24Got a timeout.
00:20:252.58 to go on the first.
00:20:27Another low-scoring game here in the 2025 playoffs.
00:20:39Anthony Edwards taking advantage of opportunities here.
00:20:42He sees a big driving lane once Buddy healed.
00:20:45Turns his back on him.
00:20:46That great acceleration to the rim.
00:20:49Here, let the traffic clear out.
00:20:51Very patient in showing you how much he has grown as a playmaker.
00:20:56When Chris Finch met with us today, he said that's the biggest thing that last year did for Anthony Edwards,
00:21:01making the conference finals, is he's much more consistent this postseason because of that experience.
00:21:07And it's, look, we talked about his scoring numbers before we started tonight.
00:21:14We said, hey, you know, they're very good to great, but they're not gaudy.
00:21:19He has done so many other things well, though, for this team.
00:21:22His rebounding numbers are off the charts, and he continues to understand the importance of making the game easier for his teammates.
00:21:28He's assisted on five of the seven Minnesota baskets as he hits the deck hard here.
00:21:33Ball out of bounds off the Warriors, 4.7 to shoot.
00:21:36The one game he exploded was the 41-point Game 4 win against the Lakers to give Minnesota a 3-1 lead.
00:21:43So far, the backcourt for Minnesota outscoring the Warriors 12-0 as Gobert had to put that up because the timer was running down,
00:21:55and they call a foul on the floor, though.
00:21:57They're going to say not in the act of shooting.
00:22:00It'll reset the shot clock to 14.
00:22:02It's on Looney, his first.
00:22:04Well, you saw Looney close the space down on the catch trying to put Rudy Gobert under pressure.
00:22:09He already forced one turnover in a similar situation, but that time he gets a lot of Rudy Gobert's right arm.
00:22:15Should that not have been a shooting foul, though?
00:22:18Not saying Gobert would have gone and made all three, but it looked like it could have easily been as DiVincenzo
00:22:23has really struggled offensively in the playoffs.
00:22:25Gets the lay-in.
00:22:26Look, Dave, I gave my analysis.
00:22:27I didn't know this follow-up question to that, okay?
00:22:31Lead is nine for Minnesota, largest for the Wolves.
00:22:34Meanwhile, the Warriors have taken just one three.
00:22:36Five of 12 overall for the floor.
00:22:41Butler, oh, didn't take the shot there.
00:22:43Pitched it out to Pajemski.
00:22:45Now Butler puts it up there, and that one drops his third basket.
00:22:49He's lucky to get a second opportunity because I thought he had a great position and angle there
00:22:54to get that up high off the glass over Rudy Gobert on the first attempt.
00:22:59Dave Vincenzo, corner three.
00:23:02Too strong, and Heal taps it to Looney.
00:23:04Maybe Buddy Heal can get going here for Golden State.
00:23:08They need him.
00:23:10Butler has half of their points.
00:23:11Heal has it rejected.
00:23:13What a play by Rudy Gobert with the recovery and swat.
00:23:17Looked like he was out of the play, but one of the best at tracking the ball to the rim.
00:23:21The Warriors show some rim deterrence of their own.
00:23:25McDaniels had it blocked at the apex.
00:23:28Kaminga penetrates.
00:23:29Butler is good.
00:23:30Plus one.
00:23:40Kaminga, nice little hesitation.
00:23:42He made Rudy Gobert think he was going to shoot a little pull-up jumper.
00:23:47That got Gobert's weight shifting forward, which allowed Kaminga to get a better angle on him.
00:23:53And then it's just a matter of playing through to contact, concentrating until the end of the shot.
00:23:58First foul on Gobert.
00:24:00Kaminga with his second basket.
00:24:03He is now 10 for 13 from the floor his last two games.
00:24:08Here's Katie.
00:24:09Yeah, Dave, Kerr said he was so impressed with Kaminga's play in game two.
00:24:12But more importantly, the way he's handled everything the last few weeks.
00:24:15Staying ready, continuing to work.
00:24:17Even when he was out of the rotation, Kaminga needed to get his rhythm back, find his confidence, and he did that in game two.
00:24:24And it's now because of that three-point play and six points for Kaminga.
00:24:28A 5-0 run to get back within four.
00:24:34Kaminga, year four, just 22 years old.
00:24:36Edwards, 23.
00:24:38Missed a three, but an offensive rebound there dominating the Warriors on the glass.
00:24:42And it's the details right now for the Warriors.
00:24:45That's a long rebound that just has to be grabbed by one of the guards that were leaking up the floor.
00:24:51Draymond Green included.
00:24:52Dave Inchenzo misfire as the buzzer sounded.
00:24:55A lot of late shot clock attempts.
00:24:57Kaminga in transition.
00:25:00Now Butler, one-on-one against Dave Inchenzo on the face-up.
00:25:04Spinning, got deep, and gets the roll.
00:25:07It's a two-point game.
00:25:087-0 Golden State run.
00:25:14Jimmy Butler read that possession because Gobert was lifted.
00:25:18Offensive foul on Dave Inchenzo, charging into a pair of Warriors.
00:25:26That's two fouls on Dante Dave Inchenzo.
00:25:31Draymond Green gets in position.
00:25:35I think slides his feet well enough there.
00:25:37He takes most of that contact directly in his chest.
00:25:40And when you square it up like that, normally you're going to get that call.
00:25:4610-second difference in the game and shot clocks here at the end of the first.
00:25:49Warriors can tie or take the lead.
00:25:51They have not led yet in this game.
00:25:54Butler again on Dave Inchenzo.
00:25:56Driving lane cut off.
00:25:58Butler keeps.
00:25:58Warriors penetrates, gets deep again, leans in, banks it in to tie it at 21.
00:26:06Butler again taking advantage.
00:26:07Rudy Gobert not on the floor.
00:26:09So he knew he could get all the way to the rim without having to face that level of shot blocking.
00:26:14Great defense on the mid-court line by Kaminga.
00:26:17Two seconds left.
00:26:18Edwards drives.
00:26:19And Edwards can't get the bounce at the buzzer.
00:26:25A 9-0 run by Golden State to close the opening quarter.
00:26:30We're tied after one in game three.
00:26:32Welcome back to the conference semifinals delivered by Chipotle.
00:26:45We're on the sidelines with Mike Conley.
00:26:47Mike, that seemed like somewhat of a disjointed first quarter with all the turnovers.
00:26:51What do you think of your all-star?
00:26:52I think that's just it.
00:26:53We've got to be more careful with the basketball.
00:26:55This team thrives off their defense.
00:26:57We can't give them anything easy.
00:26:58And if we can cut down on that, we'll be all right.
00:27:00You can tell Jimmy Butler wants to be aggressive.
00:27:02What's the key in defending him?
00:27:04He's trying to make it tough.
00:27:05You know, he's the guy that gets to the free-throw line real easy.
00:27:08He's very patient.
00:27:09Controls the ball very well and makes plays for his guys.
00:27:11So we've got to put guys on him and try to make his night tough.
00:27:14Thanks, Mike.
00:27:14All right, thank you.
00:27:15All right, Katie.
00:27:16Obviously, that was Tate because as Mike Conley is talking about what they need to do better,
00:27:22they cough it up.
00:27:23And Golden State takes the lead for the first time.
00:27:25What a smart play by Brandon Pajemski.
00:27:27He got his hands down low expecting that bounce pass.
00:27:30And that's what you do with a guy like Kaminga.
00:27:32Give it to him early and let him extend and use that athletic ability.
00:27:37Randle with the floater.
00:27:38That ends an 11-0 Golden State run.
00:27:41By the way, the Warriors in that first quarter, just one three-point attempt.
00:27:45That is the fewest in a playoff quarter for Golden State since Steph Curry's first postseason back in 2013.
00:27:53Obviously, no Steph tonight, missing a second straight game of the hamstring injury.
00:27:58Some of that is personnel related for Golden State.
00:28:00Some of it is the way Minnesota has extended out on the Warriors shooters.
00:28:05Did you see another example there?
00:28:06Buddy Heald, really no room whatsoever, has to force one up.
00:28:10And Heald, 0 for 3, no points so far in this game.
00:28:15Great hands, though, by Heald.
00:28:17Knocks it out of bounds.
00:28:18Heald, who is pretty much known as a numbers guy, stat stuffing with offensive points,
00:28:24he's been pretty good on the defensive end.
00:28:26Steve Kerr said despite that lack of playoff experience,
00:28:29just four previous playoff games coming into year 9, he's ready for the moment.
00:28:34He's competing, and they have to, with these small lineups,
00:28:37you've got to do more than your share of dirty work.
00:28:39Randall for 3.
00:28:41Spins out.
00:28:42They're 2 for 9 from 3.
00:28:43Golden State 0 for 2.
00:28:45Tie game.
00:28:45Minute and a half gone by.
00:28:47Series tied at 1 apiece.
00:28:49Pajemski leaning in.
00:28:51Boy, he continues to struggle.
00:28:52Looney, great defense by Reed.
00:28:56And they're going to count the basket there.
00:29:02Looney with his first points.
00:29:04Yeah, he got off his feet really quickly on that putback.
00:29:07Got it onto the glass so quickly, Minnesota couldn't react,
00:29:11and they hit that ball after it hit the backboard.
00:29:15So far, 7 points for Anthony Edwards to lead Minnesota.
00:29:19Butler with 11 to top all scores.
00:29:21Conley.
00:29:22Randall on the cut.
00:29:23Lays it home.
00:29:24Julius Randall with a couple of buckets here in the second quarter.
00:29:27He goes straight down the lane like that and puts his right shoulder into your chest.
00:29:32I don't think there's a shot blocker in the league that's going to be in position to stop that.
00:29:37Butler again driving.
00:29:39And that hit the foot of Pajemski.
00:29:40Another warrior turnover.
00:29:42They're 6.
00:29:43Randall in transition.
00:29:44Conley.
00:29:45Open 3.
00:29:46Swat it away.
00:29:46Kaminga.
00:29:47Conley keeps it alive.
00:29:49And now McDaniels corner triple.
00:29:51Hit it.
00:29:52Jayden McDaniels, who's been great on both ends of the floor in this postseason.
00:29:56He has really expanded his offensive game to be a bigger threat.
00:30:00Steve Kerr going to take a timeout here.
00:30:03Talk things over as Minnesota goes up 3.
00:30:05Jayden McDaniels has emerged as a force for Minnesota in this postseason.
00:30:12Waits on that corner 3.
00:30:13Cash is in.
00:30:14We play with force.
00:30:25We get up in him.
00:30:27Lewin, you came in and changed the game with your energy.
00:30:30J.K., you too.
00:30:31Now we translate that to execution, right?
00:30:34The force, the energy goes into the execution.
00:30:37We play.
00:30:37We're going to be in great shape.
00:30:39The energy has certainly been there tonight.
00:30:42The execution has been better.
00:30:43Just got to clean up the turnover.
00:30:44Six of them leading to 11 Minnesota points.
00:30:46Well, the turnovers have led to 11.
00:30:48They also haven't made a 3 yet.
00:30:50So, to be down only 3 with both of those numbers on the box score,
00:30:55really impressive how good Golden State's defense has been to this point.
00:30:590 for 2 from 3.
00:31:01Draymond Green, by the way, has only played 9 minutes.
00:31:04He was one of those that attempted a 3 late shot clock,
00:31:07and so has Buddy Heald's 3-point attempt late in the shot clock.
00:31:10Here's Reed.
00:31:11Drills a 3.
00:31:13Nas Reed shooting close to 50% from 3 in the playoffs.
00:31:17Back-to-back Minnesota triples.
00:31:22Here's Pajemski, and they're going to call Butler for a foul,
00:31:26knocking Mike Conley to the floor.
00:31:28That's Butler's first.
00:31:29This is a tough cover here for Kavon Looney.
00:31:38He's guarding Nas Reed.
00:31:38You see him peeking in at the lane because he's worried about that drop-off
00:31:42to Jayden McDaniels, and now the recovery out to Nas Reed is just too far
00:31:47for a big that gets rid of the ball that quickly.
00:31:50Nas Reed, one of the quickest releases that we have in this league at the 4-5 spot.
00:31:55First points for Reed, sixth man of the year last year, third-ever undrafted player to win the award.
00:32:02Meanwhile, three turnovers now in Jimmy Butler.
00:32:08Draymond Green back on the floor.
00:32:10Butler goes to the bench.
00:32:11Moses Moody has really struggled shooting the ball, checks in as well.
00:32:17Moody 0 for 9 from the floor in this series.
00:32:23So far, hanging tough, though, in this game despite no outside threat.
00:32:27And again, another quick blow here, I'm assuming, for Jimmy Butler.
00:32:37And Kaminga's already off the bench, checking into the next dead ball.
00:32:40Conley missed the shot, and a push underneath as Looney shoves Randle.
00:32:46That's the first team foul in the quarter on the Warriors.
00:32:48Yeah, I mentioned what a great job Golden State had done on the glass in the two games in Minnesota.
00:32:54That has not happened here tonight.
00:32:57Minnesota, far more aggressive, attacking the offensive glass.
00:33:01They have given up a couple of offensive opportunities off the glass,
00:33:05but they are really feeding up Golden State on this end.
00:33:13Randle with a catch.
00:33:14Green on him.
00:33:15Green will let it fly and hit another one.
00:33:18That's three consecutive threes for Minnesota.
00:33:21After Jonathan Kaminga and you close out, Nas Reed,
00:33:25you have to come out with one hand high and one down.
00:33:27He had both hands below his waist.
00:33:30Nas Reed had a clean look at that.
00:33:3211-0 run.
00:33:33Kaminga, though, again, soars to the rim and banks it home.
00:33:37Kaminga 4 of 4 from the floor with 10 points.
00:33:40He was 8 of 11 the other night, making his first eight shots.
00:33:44Giving him a great lift here.
00:33:45Energy and, more importantly, production.
00:33:48Gorge just moved by Randle with the footwork.
00:33:52Yeah, that's tough.
00:33:53If he gets any of the smaller players for Golden State on his back down there,
00:33:58that's a very difficult matchup because he's got great footwork, great strength.
00:34:03And he's just going to drive here against Moses Moody.
00:34:08Picks it up.
00:34:10Doesn't panic.
00:34:11Very patient.
00:34:12Didn't see any other jerseys really in the area.
00:34:15So now it's just a matter of stepping through,
00:34:17and you're bigger than the defender and get that to go.
00:34:20He's also an excellent passer when he gets into that situation.
00:34:23He had 11 assists the other night.
00:34:24He had a playoff career high in the most for Minnesota in a playoff game in 25 years.
00:34:30Terrell Brandon the last to do it.
00:34:32Shot clock at 8.
00:34:35Heel can't get open, so Kaminga drives on Reed.
00:34:38Step back foul line jumper not even close.
00:34:43Minnesota's matched its largest lead at 9.
00:34:45Look at it, add to it.
00:34:47McDaniels lost the ball.
00:34:48Turnover, Kaminga, 2-on-1.
00:34:51Payton takes it himself and lays it home.
00:34:55Good decision there because Mike Conley was stunting, and Payton,
00:34:59he was going to try to get back and break off that lob if he threw it back to Kaminga.
00:35:04Gary Payton executes that 2-on-1 practice drill.
00:35:08Randall hesitates.
00:35:09That may have caused a misfire on the triple try.
00:35:11Reed with the save.
00:35:12Out of bounds.
00:35:13Golden State ball.
00:35:18Kaminga gets this.
00:35:21He looks up.
00:35:22He says, you see, you've got 6-1 Mike Conley back.
00:35:24Gary Payton does exactly what you're supposed to do.
00:35:27It really is a practice drill.
00:35:28You take it as far as you can until you're forced to stop.
00:35:32Never did that on the part of Mike Conley, so Gary Payton gets it easy, too.
00:35:44Here's Pajemski.
00:35:45Trying to drive it.
00:35:46Anthony Edwards there.
00:35:47Quiet quarter for Edwards.
00:35:50Pajemski's three.
00:35:51Around and out.
00:35:53Shooting three for his last 17 from behind the arc.
00:35:57Edwards fires to Reed.
00:36:00Swing it.
00:36:01Randall.
00:36:01Wide open.
00:36:02That's good.
00:36:03A three.
00:36:04And a timeout by Steve Kerr.
00:36:06Minnesota starting to find the bottom of the net from deep.
00:36:09And the lead is 10, the largest of the half for the Wolves.
00:36:12NBA playoffs presented by Google continue tomorrow afternoon on ABC.
00:36:19It's game four at Denver.
00:36:20The Nuggets up over Oklahoma City.
00:36:22Two games to one.
00:36:23Coverage starts three Eastern.
00:36:25NBA countdown.
00:36:25Well, it's been an offensive struggle for the Warriors since the injury to Steph Curry in game one.
00:36:3113 points in 13 minutes.
00:36:33Left hamstring strain.
00:36:35He is out for at least the next two games.
00:36:38He'll be reevaluated on Wednesday.
00:36:41That's the day of game five.
00:36:43Game six is next Sunday.
00:36:44And then last time out, Steph was over at the scorers table.
00:36:49You see Katie George, as every great reporter does, just waiting to get the story.
00:36:54And Katie did.
00:36:54What was he looking at?
00:36:55Well, I asked him, what are you looking at in particular?
00:36:58And he said, the threes, I can't figure it out.
00:37:00We usually shoot more threes than twos to start the game.
00:37:03He said, I don't have an answer for it right now, guys.
00:37:05They've only taken two, three make that, and 22 twos attempted.
00:37:11No points for the starting guards.
00:37:13Lex, what are they doing on the perimeter to suffocate the Warriors without Steph on the floor?
00:37:18Well, they understand there's really only one player out there that can beat you off the dribble.
00:37:22So they're just extending out, and they're forcing some of these role players into very uncomfortable positions on the floor.
00:37:29I mean, the difference is obviously when Steph's out there, what he does directly to score.
00:37:34But no player, I don't think, that's ever played in this league has created more opportunities by his mere presence.
00:37:40He occupies two at times, and sometimes three defenders on one side of the floor creates a lot of space on the weak side.
00:37:46That space has been taken away by Minnesota.
00:37:49Meanwhile, an offensive foul on Draymond Green, another turnover by the Warriors.
00:37:54Edwards hasn't taken a shot yet in the second quarter.
00:37:57Reed on the wing, and just lost it out of bounds.
00:37:59It's Minnesota's turning it over as well.
00:38:04That's eight now for the Wolves and eight for the Warriors.
00:38:08Midway point of the second quarter.
00:38:10It's a ten-point lead for Minnesota.
00:38:12Winner goes up 2-1 in this series.
00:38:15Game four, Monday night.
00:38:17Pajemski puts it on the floor, leans in, draws the foul, but it would not fall.
00:38:22He'll shoot two.
00:38:22No points yet in the game for Pajemski.
00:38:27I like the two-man game when Jimmy Butler sets the screen because the defender, Jimmy Butler, is going to be reluctant to get too far away from him.
00:38:37Because they want to try to deny that ball back to Butler.
00:38:40And so, Brandon Pajemski comes off.
00:38:42He has a clear driving lane and very smart to stop, put the brakes on, and get that contact from behind.
00:38:48Tim, something to keep an eye on here.
00:38:50Nas Reed just picked up his third foul.
00:38:52He'll go to the bench.
00:38:53He sparked this run for the Wolves with a couple of threes.
00:38:57And Pajemski at the line.
00:39:00Second-year pro out of Santa Clara.
00:39:03Average about 12 points per game during the season.
00:39:06Yeah, now the spacing totally different.
00:39:08A read off the floor.
00:39:09Gobert back in, so you're not as extended if you're Golden State and don't have quite as much ground to cover on these rotations to the weak side.
00:39:18First point to the game for Pajemski.
00:39:21And almost a turnover at midcourt.
00:39:23Peyton hounding Anthony Edwards.
00:39:27Edwards, 7.3 of 8 from the floor.
00:39:30Two assists.
00:39:33McDaniels, shot clock at 2.
00:39:35And now Edwards with 1.
00:39:36Sees it, fires it up at the back iron.
00:39:39And Pajemski taps at the Peyton.
00:39:42Now Green quickly ahead, Kaminga.
00:39:47On the switch, Gobert on Butler.
00:39:50And Butler thought about it.
00:39:52Elected not to try a three.
00:39:53He has yet to take a three in this game.
00:39:56He will now.
00:39:57And it's not even close.
00:39:580 for 4.
00:39:59They get another look.
00:40:03And I don't think a single player on the Warriors has taken a jump shot with confidence in this game.
00:40:08I mean, they're doing a great job in the paint.
00:40:10Getting into the line.
00:40:11There's Jimmy Butler again.
00:40:12Turning the corner.
00:40:13But they're going to need some perimeter shooting to win this game.
00:40:21Four and a half to go.
00:40:23Four quick Warrior points.
00:40:24And now Green gets drilled.
00:40:26And it's an offensive foul.
00:40:29It's DiVincenzo.
00:40:30That's three on him in his second charge.
00:40:32And he and Draymond Green jawing as they go up the court.
00:40:36But it looks to be friendly words.
00:40:38Yeah, Draymond Green, I think, telling Dante DiVincenzo, got you again.
00:40:42He had a big smile on his face.
00:40:44I think he knew.
00:40:45He did a great job again of getting his front.
00:40:47Just impeding the progress of a cutter.
00:40:50And you're in a foul.
00:40:51McDaniels with a foul.
00:40:53As Butler slides across the court.
00:40:55First on McDaniels.
00:40:56First on Minnesota.
00:41:02And for Draymond, anything it takes to earn your team an extra possession.
00:41:07He's trying to execute, really, a switch right there.
00:41:10But realizes Dante DiVincenzo's not looking at him.
00:41:14So he can just jump in front, absorb the contact, get the call.
00:41:19Draymond seems to be much in a different place tonight.
00:41:22We haven't really seen him go at it with the officials.
00:41:24He's too technical shy and too flagrant ones shy of a one-game suspension.
00:41:32So very well behaved so far in this game despite no points.
00:41:36He has drawn a couple charges.
00:41:38And Sloppy passed that time through the legs of Randall.
00:41:42So now they're off schedule.
00:41:43Kaminga pokes it away.
00:41:45That's the kind of defensive effort Steve Kerr wants and is getting from Kaminga tonight.
00:41:50He earned it extra playing time by the way he played in a loss in game two.
00:41:56And he has given Steve Kerr exactly what he was hoping for tonight.
00:42:00And Edwards again had the fire with a shot clock winding down.
00:42:04No points yet for Edwards here in the corner.
00:42:09Three for ten and one of four from three.
00:42:12Pajemski to the corner.
00:42:14Payton wanted no part of that.
00:42:16So he gets it back out to Butler.
00:42:18McDaniels on him.
00:42:19Butler passed him into the lane.
00:42:20Underneath.
00:42:21Green puts it in.
00:42:22Six straight Golden State points.
00:42:24And a timeout by Chris Finch.
00:42:26Well, typically you need some threes to win a game.
00:42:37The math doesn't add up if you don't.
00:42:39But if you get enough twos, you can cut into that lead.
00:42:42You got to go back to the We Believe Warriors.
00:42:50They actually won that series against Dallas in 07.
00:42:52That's the last playoff half without a made three.
00:42:55But that was long before the Splash Brothers, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
00:42:59And in 2025, where you got teams sometimes missing 53s in a game,
00:43:07they've only taken five and have not made one.
00:43:11But they have 15 baskets and 14 of those have come in the paint.
00:43:16And like I said before, I don't think anybody's even stepping into these perimeter shots with confidence.
00:43:22Minnesota is responsible for some of that.
00:43:25For some of it, it's just mentally anticipating the shot before you get the ball.
00:43:31Traveling violation on Randle.
00:43:34He's shocked by the call.
00:43:41Green racing into the front court.
00:43:46Butler trying to get free from the clutches of McDaniels.
00:43:48Butler drives, floats it up.
00:43:50No.
00:43:50Bat it around.
00:43:51And Butler saves it underneath.
00:43:53Goes right at Gobert.
00:43:54Boy, a lot of contact.
00:43:55No whistle.
00:43:57Edwards in transition.
00:43:59To the corner and Conley.
00:44:02Weaving for traffic.
00:44:03I think that was a lob, actually.
00:44:05But Gobert didn't see it.
00:44:07And a Minnesota turnover.
00:44:08The 10th for the Wolves.
00:44:09You are watching two elite defenses right now.
00:44:13With the energy, the speed, the commitment to the closeouts right now.
00:44:18Impressive.
00:44:19Meanwhile, I know Kaminga can jump really high, but that's twice now.
00:44:24They've thrown it at about 10 feet over his head.
00:44:26A foul is called on the first one.
00:44:27That one, not close and no contact.
00:44:31Nine turnovers by the Warriors.
00:44:33McDaniels made one earlier from that spot, but not that time.
00:44:36Minnesota, 6 of 18 from 3.
00:44:39Kaminga with the step through.
00:44:40Missed the layup.
00:44:41And controlled by Gobert.
00:44:44Edwards sets his feet.
00:44:46Misses a 3.
00:44:47Not close.
00:44:49He's 3 of 11 and 1 of 6 from 3.
00:44:51And Pajemski is doing an incredible job on the defensive glass right now.
00:44:55Coming up with every ball that comes in his direction.
00:44:58Cut the basket.
00:44:59Butler and a foul.
00:45:00Eight straight points for the Warriors.
00:45:03And a chance at a three-point play.
00:45:06I think what's been different here, the pace.
00:45:09Golden State is playing fast.
00:45:11And they're getting into these gaps before Minnesota has a chance to get back over half court.
00:45:16And have five sets of eyes in front of them.
00:45:19And watching Jimmy Butler, the last three or four trips, that ball's come off the glass.
00:45:24And immediately down the lane at the rim.
00:45:27Two fouls on Gobert.
00:45:29Butler with 15 points.
00:45:30And now 16.
00:45:32This is the kind of night they needed and they're getting from Jimmy Butler.
00:45:37It's why they made the trade.
00:45:38I think the biggest, most significant number on this stat sheet right now is 13.
00:45:42And that's the number of shots for Jimmy Butler in this first half.
00:45:45Meanwhile, a four-and-a-half-minute drought for Minnesota.
00:45:49Edwards, the lane cutoff.
00:45:51Good D by Kaminga.
00:45:52Randall hoists.
00:45:54Way off the mark.
00:45:55Long rebound to Edwards.
00:45:57Inside two to play.
00:46:00Edwards into a double team and a foul called.
00:46:03And Draymond Green letting Mitchell Irvin know his displeasure.
00:46:08And that's two on Draymond.
00:46:13And the second, first in the last two minutes on the Warriors.
00:46:18Kaminga's got him in a pretty good spot right here.
00:46:21Draymond comes over.
00:46:23That arm is slightly forward.
00:46:25That's pretty good defensive positioning to try to get straight up.
00:46:29But I think they just feel like Draymond initiated that contact with his arm coming forward.
00:46:34There was some conversation as to whether that was a shooting foul.
00:46:37Scott Foster said, yes, it is.
00:46:41So, Edwards will have two free throws.
00:46:43He has not scored yet here in the second quarter.
00:46:45Coming into tonight, had eight points in the first quarter of the first two games.
00:46:5135 points in the second half of the first two games.
00:46:56Earn badges to win prizes with the NBA ID Playoffs Challenge.
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00:47:08Edwards misses the second free throw.
00:47:11Warriors with the ball down two.
00:47:13Kaminga drives that go-bear.
00:47:15What a move.
00:47:16Go-bear tried to block it, but Kaminga threw it over his outstretched arm to tie the game.
00:47:22That's that raw talent we're talking about.
00:47:25Getting that up over the top.
00:47:28This shot, pinballs to Kaminga.
00:47:32Warriors looking to retake the lead.
00:47:34Closing on a minute to go.
00:47:35Conley, call for the foul.
00:47:37Knocking the ball away from Podjemski.
00:47:40That's the first in the last two minutes on the Wolves.
00:47:43Oh, he just gives you a sample of this every now and then.
00:47:47Beautiful footwork.
00:47:49Opposite foot.
00:47:50Goes to his left hand.
00:47:52And then the touch to go up and over the top of Gobert who actually timed that almost perfectly.
00:47:58And legs also when you consider he was out of the rotation towards the end of the year.
00:48:02Probably thought, I'm not going to play in the playoffs.
00:48:04But the door is open because of the Steph Curry injury.
00:48:07He's made the most of the opportunity.
00:48:09He's got 12.
00:48:10Butler has 16.
00:48:12Tie game.
00:48:14Shot clock at 7.
00:48:15Podjemski gets past Conley.
00:48:18Teardrop no.
00:48:19Gobert with the rebound is ninth.
00:48:24Podjemski's eyes that's unrolled because he's frustrated.
00:48:27He can't get one to drop.
00:48:29But he is doing so many things right now to help Golden State erase this deficit.
00:48:34Edwards just 3 of 11.
00:48:368 points.
00:48:37Gets downhill.
00:48:37Tangs.
00:48:38Missed the layup.
00:48:39Rebound Butler.
00:48:40And they get out and transition quickly.
00:48:44Kaminga on the cut.
00:48:46Stops in the lane and throws it back out.
00:48:49Butler's got Conley on him.
00:48:50Shot clock at 10.
00:48:52Butler powering his way down the lane.
00:48:54And the foul.
00:48:55Butler goes back to the line.
00:48:57Free throws 4 and 5 for Butler coming up with Gobert committing his third foul.
00:49:03Three players for Minnesota with three fouls.
00:49:05And this is so smart on the part of Jimmy Butler.
00:49:08If he keeps going to that direction to his right hand, Rudy Gobert is waiting on that.
00:49:13When he steps through it, actually, he used the defender on his hip as a barrier that prevented Gobert from really being able to get into the launching pad.
00:49:23So smart by Jimmy Butler to earn two free throws.
00:49:26And now you've got Gobert, DiVincenzo, and Reed with three fouls apiece.
00:49:30Gobert staying in the game.
00:49:31The other two are on the bench.
00:49:33Butler gets the bounce on the free throw.
00:49:35Golden State back on top.
00:49:37Kia halftime is coming up with Malika, Stephen A., Bob Myers, and Perk.
00:49:41You had to assume at some point Boston is going to make some shots.
00:49:46And they made a lot of them today.
00:49:47They'll have that story as the Celtics are back in the series with the Knicks winning today on ABC earlier at the Garden.
00:49:55Butler gets them both.
00:49:58Golden State by two.
00:50:00A nine-second difference in the game.
00:50:01And shot clock's no field goals in the last six minutes for the Wolves.
00:50:05I think Kerr said they were going to win this game with their defense.
00:50:07And as of this point, holding Minnesota to just 40 points as they operate with their last possession.
00:50:16Ball screen from Gobert.
00:50:18Edwards gets it to Alexander Walker at 20 points in game two.
00:50:22And misses the shot there.
00:50:24Golden State can take its time.
00:50:26Eight seconds to go.
00:50:27Pajenski turns with four seconds on the game clock.
00:50:33Puts it up.
00:50:34It's an air ball.
00:50:35They had time for a better shot.
00:50:37And the half comes to an end.
00:50:39You talked about the defense.
00:50:41They hold Minnesota without a field goal for the last six and a half minutes.
00:50:45They close the half on a 13-1 run.
00:50:47All of this without making a three.
00:50:49The Golden State Warriors, first time in 18 years in a playoff half without a triple.
00:50:56But they have the lead.
00:50:57Jimmy Butler, fantastic first half.
00:51:00Warriors trying to go up 2-1 in the series.
00:51:06The NBA Conference Semifinals on ABC are delivered by Chipotle.
00:51:11Real ingredients, real flavor.
00:51:14Chipotle, for real.
00:51:15And in part by Google, proud sponsor of the NBA.
00:51:21For Superman.
00:51:22Jason Tatum is crushing it as substitute Superman.
00:51:25In crunch time, he transformed into Super Jason.
00:51:28Real ingredients, that horse's ankles.
00:51:30Yo, he posterized that giant horse.
00:51:32I told you he's got that dog in him.
00:51:35I am not filling in for Lex Luthor.
00:51:37Stop asking me that.
00:51:38Jason, you saved the day.
00:51:40But why would Superman need a day off?
00:51:42I think he just wanted to watch the playoffs.
00:51:44Welcome back to the NBA playoffs, presented by Google.
00:51:53Conference Semifinals delivered by Chipotle.
00:51:56A time machine game as we go back to the 90s.
00:52:00Low scoring, amazing.
00:52:03In 2025, to not make a three-pointer, yet be leading at halftime.
00:52:08First half stats brought to you by JCPenney with Golden State up by two.
00:52:12Try to take a 2-1 series lead.
00:52:16Minnesota, plus 18.
00:52:18In terms of three-pointers, making six.
00:52:20The Warriors 0 for 5.
00:52:22Anthony Edwards, eight points.
00:52:24Missed his last seven shots.
00:52:26Kaminga, great off the bench.
00:52:27Butler leading all scores with 18.
00:52:30And now, listening to the sounds of the game.
00:52:38I'm mic'd up today, too.
00:52:39Pleasure.
00:52:40For real?
00:52:40Yes.
00:52:41Good to see you.
00:52:42I love the Blazer.
00:52:44Good luck.
00:52:44Let's go.
00:52:45Let's get it.
00:52:45Let's get one.
00:52:45Let's get it.
00:52:47Hey, Jimmy.
00:52:48Jimmy.
00:52:48Love.
00:52:49I appreciate you guys.
00:52:51Hi, ladies.
00:52:52Hi, ladies.
00:52:53Love you back.
00:52:57What you want me to do if you just stay here?
00:52:59Or are you going what you're going to do?
00:53:01Rudy on me.
00:53:03Rudy's on me.
00:53:05I'm going to grab you if you don't touch me, dog.
00:53:07I'm with it, though.
00:53:08I know.
00:53:09I know.
00:53:09All right, Dave Pasch, Tim Legler, and Katie George.
00:53:17It's games like this where you really appreciate Steph Curry, his greatness, right?
00:53:20Not on the floor and what that means not just for him, but what he does for everybody else.
00:53:25You also understand why they went and got Jimmy Butler from what we're seeing here tonight.
00:53:29No doubt.
00:53:29He knew what the moment was going to require.
00:53:31The aggressiveness has been there.
00:53:33And it's really incredible to think that Golden State could go an entire half without a made three.
00:53:38They also give up 14 points off of their turnovers and yet hold the lead at halftime.
00:53:44It is a testament to their defense, and it's a testament to Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kaminga
00:53:50doing what they had to do offensively to keep their head above water.
00:53:5416 of Golden State's 17 baskets were in the paint.
00:53:58The longest made field goal was a 17-footer by Jonathan Kaminga in the first quarter.
00:54:04Game four Monday night.
00:54:05The Warriors 8-2 in playoff series under Steve Kerr when it's tied 1-1.
00:54:11McDaniels starts off the half with a three ball.
00:54:14Jayden McDaniels with his second basket.
00:54:16Both have been three-pointers.
00:54:17Well, Golden State makes a mistake there.
00:54:19Julius Randle had position in the post, but you don't need to send two extra defenders into the paint.
00:54:24No way you can get back after McDaniels.
00:54:26Buddy Heald for three, and finally, a made field goal for the starting backcourt and the first three of the game for the Warriors.
00:54:34I said to you at halftime, I expect to see some action deliberately run for Buddy Heald, and they come right out of the locker room and get him a look.
00:54:42And then Conley to the goal, lays it in.
00:54:45Trace Jackson Davis, who started the game.
00:54:48Played just six minutes.
00:54:49Tried to block it.
00:54:51A miss shot by Draymond Green.
00:54:53And the other way, McDaniels driving it.
00:54:55Jackson Davis splits it up.
00:54:57Front rimmed it.
00:54:57A tip in by Randle.
00:54:58A tip in by Randle.
00:55:00Julius Randle that time, coming right down the middle.
00:55:06I like the intensity that Minnesota has right now to start the third quarter.
00:55:11Majemski drives, swatted away, Gobert.
00:55:20Edwards, driving, throws it away.
00:55:24Anthony Edwards really struggling offensively.
00:55:27Big picture this series.
00:55:28He'd be good in the second half, games one and two.
00:55:30But overall, it just does not look like the Anthony Edwards we saw in the playoffs in the first round.
00:55:36He looks indecisive.
00:55:37He's in between moves.
00:55:39He didn't know right there what he wanted to do.
00:55:41Started to go downhill.
00:55:42I thought he could have gotten to a little step back in the lane or a floater.
00:55:46And once he got up in the air, he immediately started looking on the perimeter and miscommunication with me and Mike Carlin.
00:55:54Foul on Randle, bumping Draymond Green.
00:55:57That's two on Randle.
00:55:59First time in franchise history that the Minnesota Timberwolves have made the conference semis in consecutive years.
00:56:06Their victory in the first round over the Lakers was just their fifth ever series win.
00:56:10They were expansion team 35 years ago.
00:56:13Lost to Dallas in the conference finals last year.
00:56:16Winner of this series moves on to the conference finals to play either Denver or Oklahoma City.
00:56:21Field misses a three.
00:56:22Rebound McDaniels.
00:56:24Golden State won the play in to get here.
00:56:26And then one at Houston in the 2-7 matchup in the first round.
00:56:31In game seven.
00:56:33Conley floats it up.
00:56:34Gobert catches, goes back up.
00:56:36Missed the shot.
00:56:37Poked to Conley.
00:56:38And now out to Randle.
00:56:43Randle.
00:56:45Feeds Edwards for the slam.
00:56:47Warriors get it up the floor quickly.
00:56:52That ends a stretch of seven consecutive misses for Anthony Edwards.
00:56:55Great read on the weak side.
00:56:57He saw all the attention that Julius Randle was getting in the paint.
00:57:00Nobody touches him on the cut.
00:57:03Heels misses a three.
00:57:05Kept alive again.
00:57:06This time by Pajemski.
00:57:09Third chance opportunity.
00:57:11Great defense McDaniels.
00:57:12Good hands.
00:57:13Butler.
00:57:14Missed the shot.
00:57:15Gobert altered that.
00:57:17Minnesota looking to run.
00:57:18No fast break points in the first half.
00:57:20Conley missed a three.
00:57:22Jackson Davis ahead to Butler.
00:57:26Pajemski.
00:57:27Wide open.
00:57:28Three is good.
00:57:30No threes in the first half.
00:57:34Two threes in three minutes in the second half.
00:57:37Well, Golden State finally had numbers in the open floor.
00:57:40Jimmy Butler looked over his shoulder.
00:57:42He saw Pajemski teeing one up there on the wing.
00:57:45He finally gets one to fall.
00:57:48Gobert going to get called for a foul.
00:57:50Or are they going to say it's on Green?
00:57:52Both Green and Draymond and Rody Gobert are saying challenge this.
00:57:56I don't think either guy knew who the foul was on.
00:58:00Now they're saying it's on Green and that's three on him.
00:58:02Steve Kerr looking to his back bench and he's going to challenge it.
00:58:05But initially, both guys looked to their coaches to challenge.
00:58:09They weren't sure who Scott Foster called the foul on.
00:58:13Looked like it was on Gobert.
00:58:18That'd be four on him.
00:58:19They called it on Green back in a moment.
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00:58:32Steve Kerr decides not to challenge.
00:58:35So foul on Draymond Green.
00:58:36Let's bring in Steve Javis.
00:58:38Steve, should he have challenged?
00:58:39Was this a Green foul or a Gobert foul?
00:58:43Yeah, I know at the end, you're watching a lot of things at the end here, guys.
00:58:46When Gobert is actually protecting.
00:58:47I think he's protecting himself.
00:58:48Does push Draymond a little.
00:58:50I think Kerr is smart.
00:58:51What I see is Draymond just bull rushing him.
00:58:54As you can see now in the replay, bull rushing Gobert and pushing him backwards.
00:58:59Does Gobert push at the end?
00:59:00Absolutely.
00:59:01But it's too close to challenge here.
00:59:03I think the challenge would have been, you know, overturned.
00:59:05Thank you, Steve.
00:59:06So third foul on Green.
00:59:08Gobert, that would have been his fourth if it had been challenged and overturned.
00:59:12Shot clock at one.
00:59:14And it's going to be a 24-second violation.
00:59:17That is turnover number 12 by Minnesota.
00:59:20One-point lead for the Wolves.
00:59:22Three and a half minutes in to the second half of game three with the series tied at one apiece.
00:59:26Always frustrating when you come out of a timeout situation and you don't execute.
00:59:34And don't even get a shot up to give yourself an opportunity for an offensive rebound.
00:59:39Pajemski's three in and out.
00:59:41And Gobert with his 11th rebound.
00:59:44Minnesota led by ten points on two different occasions in the first half.
00:59:49The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
00:59:51Two points.
00:59:53Randle on the back down, working hard against Green.
00:59:56And Randle ripped the ball away.
00:59:58The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
00:59:59The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:00The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:01The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:02The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:03The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:04The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:05The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:06The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:07The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:08The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:09The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:10The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:11The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:12The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:13The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.
01:00:14The Warriors' largest lead was at halftime.