The Minnesota Timberwolves have returned to the Western Conference Finals in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, marking the first time in franchise history they have reached this stage in consecutive seasons. After a disappointing playoff exit last year, the team responded with strategic adjustments and resilience, culminating in a decisive series victory over the Golden State Warriors. This achievement reflects their growth, perseverance, and ability to find momentum at a critical point in the season as they continue their pursuit of the franchise’s first NBA championship.
The Return and the Challenge Issued
Returning to the Western Conference Finals required the Minnesota Timberwolves to answer a fundamental question posed by coach Chris Finch at the season’s outset. The challenge was stark: Were they a team inherently capable of reaching this stage, or did their previous appearance simply represent a fortunate occurrence?
Proving they belonged required repeating the feat. This year, the Timberwolves reached the conference finals for the second straight season—a franchise first. Before this run, the team had endured nine 60-loss seasons and earned only four playoff series wins in its entire history.
Minnesota sealed their return by defeating both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors in five games during the first two playoff rounds.
Anthony Edwards’ Unwavering Belief
Anthony Edwards’ unwavering confidence has fueled the Timberwolves’ playoff run and is now influencing NBA Finals bets as oddsmakers take notice. After last year’s conference finals loss, Edwards boldly predicted their return—and delivered. He not only lifts his own game, leading the league with 320 threes at 39.5%, but also inspires teammates. In Game 4 vs. the Warriors, his 16-point third quarter helped seal a dominant win.
The Evolution of His Game
Edwards has transitioned from primarily being a gifted athlete who could shoot to becoming a bona fide shooter. His preparation following a gold medal win with Team USA included dedicated work on his three-point shot, both off the dribble and catching and shooting. This commitment allowed him to achieve near-Curry-like proficiency from beyond the arc.
Inspiring His Teammates
Beyond his individual statistics, Edwards’ ability to transfer his confidence to others is a crucial aspect of his impact. Veteran Mike Conley, who was distraught after the previous year’s playoff exit, stated that Edwards’ assurance of their return made him believe another opportunity would come.
Other players, including Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, have also seemingly benefited from Edwards’ infectious belief, finding improved performance.
Roster Adjustments and Finding Cohesion
The Timberwolves returned to the Western Conference Finals with a major roster shake-up. Karl-Anthony Towns was traded before training camp, bringing in Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo from the Knicks.
Randle took over at power forward as Edwards’ top running mate. Early struggles and injuries to Randle, DiVincenzo, and Rudy Gobert led to a 22-21 record by late January.
Randle’s Playoff Ascendance
Despite early struggles and questions about his fit, Julius Randle has emerged as a revelation in his first postseason with the Timberwolves. He was arguably Minnesota’s most impactful player in the series victory over Golden State.
In Game 5 against the Warriors, Randle finished with a game-high 29 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, shooting 13 for 18 from the field. Across the first four games of the series, he averaged 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and eight assists, showcasing his ability to score, rebound, initiate offense, and play solid defense.
DiVincenzo’s Timely Contributions
Donte DiVincenzo, acquired alongside Randle, also took time to find his form with the team, particularly struggling with his shooting early in the season.
However, he overcame this slump and contributed effectively, especially after recovering from a toe injury. In the decisive Game 5 against Golden State, DiVincenzo provided valuable offense off the bench, scoring 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three-point range.
Navigating the Journey and Building Momentum
The Timberwolves’ return to the Western Conference Finals wasn’t smooth, with early-season struggles and public doubt. They hovered around .500 through December and sat at 32-29 in late February, facing play-in concerns. But the return of key players like Randle and DiVincenzo sparked a turnaround. Minnesota closed the season 17-4 to secure the No. 6 seed and is 30-6 in their last 36 games with Randle in the lineup.
Patience Amidst Scrutiny
Coach Finch highlighted that navigating the season involved “growing pains” and resisting the urge to rush the process. Despite public pressure for lineup changes, he remained steadfast, trusting his players and their potential to figure things out. This patient approach allowed the team to mature and come together at the most crucial time, playing their best basketball as the playoffs commenced.
The Role of Veterans
The team’s experienced players, including Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert, played crucial roles in guiding the team and ensuring they remained focused. Conley, in his 18th season, provided leadership and resilience.
In Game 5 against Golden State, Conley had a notable performance with 16 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, shooting 5 of 7 from the field. Gobert also contributed significantly in the series clincher with 17 points and eight rebounds, posting a team-best plus-21 rating.
The Warriors Series: Opportunity and Performance
The Timberwolves won the Western Conference Semifinals 4-1 over the Warriors, clinching a return to the conference finals. Stephen Curry’s Game 1 hamstring injury sidelined him for the rest of the series, during which Minnesota outscored Golden State by 46 points. Despite the injury’s impact, the Timberwolves focused on executing against the team in front of them.
In Game 5, they turned in one of their most balanced playoff performances, shooting 63% overall and 42% from three, with a 72-50 advantage in the paint. Six players scored in double figures, led by Julius Randle’s 29 points. Anthony Edwards added 22 points and a playoff career-high 12 assists.
The Impact of Curry’s Absence
Steve Kerr, Golden State’s coach, acknowledged that injuries are part of the playoffs and did not detract from Minnesota’s accomplishment. Draymond Green also stated that injuries are a part of the game and that Golden State had won championships with opposing players hurt.
Edwards himself expressed a desire to compete against Curry at full strength. Golden State had a 4-1 record against Minnesota this season when Curry played, compared to 0-4 without him.
Controlling the Game
Despite committing 21 turnovers in Game 5, tied for their fourth-most of the season, Minnesota’s dominant shooting performance proved decisive. The Warriors won several statistical categories, including possessions, field goal attempts, three-point attempts, and rebounding, but they were unable to overcome Minnesota’s scoring efficiency.
Veteran Jimmy Butler had a quiet series offensively after Curry’s injury, averaging 20.2 points but shooting 43% and having a negative plus-minus rating of minus-37 over the five games.
The Road Ahead
With their return trip to the Western Conference Finals secured, the Minnesota Timberwolves now face the winner of the series between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Having achieved their goal of proving last season was no fluke, the team’s mindset has shifted; they are not satisfied with simply reaching this stage again.
This evolution in goals marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise, one defined by Anthony Edwards’ leadership and an expectation that reaching the conference finals is merely another step, not the ultimate destination.
With favorable developments elsewhere in the playoffs, including top seeds being eliminated or facing injury challenges, the Timberwolves have positioned themselves with a strong chance to potentially pursue their first championship.