Without Steph, the Warriors Fought HARD—but the Timberwolves Escaped in Game 3

Gintotski Sports

🔥 Warriors vs Timberwolves Game 3 Recap | 2025 NBA Playoffs | No Steph, No Quit! 🔥  The Golden State Warriors put up a fierce fight in Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Semifinals, but ultimately fell short to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 102-97. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Dubs leaned on Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green in a gritty, heart-pounding battle at Chase Center.  In this full Game 3 recap, we break down every crucial moment—from Kuminga’s playoff career-high 30 points to Anthony Edwards’ explosive second half. The Warriors held a late fourth-quarter lead, but a controversial stretch and the absence of Steph’s leadership proved costly.  ➡️ Can Golden State bounce back in Game 4? ➡️ How much did Curry’s injury impact the outcome? ➡️ What changes must Coach Kerr make to even the series?  Watch now for in-depth analysis, key highlights, and the true story behind the Warriors' valiant Game 3 effort.  📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more playoff breakdowns, post-game analysis, and all things Golden State Warriors!  #WarriorsVsTimberwolves #NBAGame3Recap #2025NBAPlayoffs #StephenCurry #GoldenStateWarriors #AnthonyEdwards #JonathanKuminga #JimmyButler #NBAHighlights #GSW #Wolves #ChaseCenter #DubNation #NBAPlayoffs2025 #WarriorsRecap #BasketballBreakdown   All footage and media used in this video fall under fair use for news reporting and commentary purposes.

Transcript

00:00In a tightly contested battle that may shape the arc of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Semifinals,

00:07the Minnesota Timberwolves outlasted the Golden State Warriors 102-97 in Game 3 at Chase Center,

00:14swinging momentum firmly in their favor with a 2-1 series lead.

00:18Despite being without franchise icon Stephen Curry due to a hamstring injury,

00:24Golden State's resilience and intensity were on full display.

00:27Yet, the explosive second-half performance by Anthony Edwards in a crucial fourth-quarter run by the Timberwolves proved too much to overcome.

00:37Welcome to Jintotsky Sports, your spot for all things sports.

00:42From legendary moments in big-time plays to inspiring stories and deep dives,

00:47we bring you the content that keeps the game alive.

00:50If you love sports as much as we do, hit that subscribe button and let's get into it.

00:55The game tipped off with both squads playing with controlled urgency, feeling the weight of the series' tipping point.

01:03Minnesota started strong, jumping to an 8-2 lead, but the Warriors quickly responded with Tracy Jackson Davis asserting himself the paint,

01:12contributing back-to-back layups that helped Golden State steady the ship.

01:16Jimmy Butler set the tone offensively for the home side, attacking the lane with purpose and scoring efficiently in isolation.

01:25Meanwhile, the Timberwolves leaned on Mike Conley's ball movement and Rudy Gobert's inside presence to stay afloat.

01:33The quarter ended deadlocked at 21-all, a fitting reflection of the defensive tenacity displayed on both ends.

01:40Neither team could create separation, setting up what would be a tightly wound contest.

01:48Minnesota came out firing in the second quarter, going on a 13-4 run led by perimeter triples from Julius Randle, Jade McDaniels, and Naz Reed.

01:58The Timberwolves seemed to find their offensive rhythm, but Golden State's defensive effort intensified,

02:04especially in containing Edwards, who shot just three of 12-and-a-half.

02:10On the other end, the Warriors struggled from deep, failing to make a single three-pointer in the entire first half 0-4-5,

02:18a rare playoff drought not seen since 2007.

02:21Yet Jimmy Butler continued to shoulder the scoring load,

02:25pouring in 18 first-half points with finesse footwork and timely mid-range jumpers.

02:31Jonathan Kaminga added important baskets, off-cuts, and transition plays.

02:37Despite the shooting woes, Golden State entered the locker room with a surprising 42-to-40 half-time lead,

02:44thanks to grit and defensive execution.

02:47The third quarter saw the game unravel into a more fast-paced offensive affair.

02:52Buddy Heald and Brandon Podziemski finally broke the Warriors' three-point silence.

02:57Connecting on key shots from beyond the arc, Butler remained aggressive,

03:02scoring 10 points in the quarter, maintaining Golden State's offensive push.

03:07However, Draymond Green picked up his fourth foul midway through the quarter,

03:11forcing Steve Kerr to manage rotations more cautiously.

03:15That shift gave Edwards the window he needed.

03:18The Timberwolves' young star ignited,

03:20scoring 15 points in the period by attacking mismatches and capitalizing on transition opportunities.

03:28Even so, the Warriors closed the quarter clinging to a 73-to-69 advantage,

03:34punctuated by an Edwards buzzer-beating three that hinted at the storm brewing.

03:39With eight minutes left and the Warriors leading 82-to-77,

03:44momentum was precariously balanced.

03:46Then Minnesota launched a game-defining 16-to-4 run,

03:50powered by Edwards' relentless shot creation and a dagger three-pointer from Jaden McDaniels

03:56with 3.20 left that gave the Timberwolves their first lead of the quarter.

04:00Draymond Green fouled out at the 4.38 mark,

04:03a significant loss to Golden State's defensive identity.

04:07Though Buddy Heald nailed a three to bring the Warriors within four at 93-to-89,

04:12the offense faltered under pressure.

04:14Kaminga, who had been spectacular all night with a playoff career-high 30 points,

04:20committed a costly turnover in the final minute.

04:24Minnesota closed the game at the free-throw line,

04:27with Julius Randle and Edwards calmly icing it.

04:30Anthony Edwards finished with a sensational 36 points,

04:34including 28 in a thunderous second half.

04:37His takeover, especially under the bright lights of a hostile playoff environment,

04:43underscored his emergence as one of the league's elite young stars.

04:48Julius Randle's triple-double performance, 24 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds,

04:54added a layer of versatility that proved vital.

04:58Golden State's effort cannot be dismissed.

05:00Jimmy Butler's 33 points kept the Warriors in contention,

05:05while Kaminga's breakout night demonstrated his maturation on the playoff stage.

05:10Yet the absence of Stephen Curry loomed large,

05:13not just in the box score,

05:14but in the Warriors' ability to execute under late-game pressure.

05:18As the series shifts to a crucial Game 4,

05:22Golden State finds itself needing a response.

05:25The Timberwolves now carry the confidence and a strategic edge,

05:29while the Warriors are left with questions around rotations,

05:33late-game composure, and the hope for Curry's return.

05:37With the postseason intensity at a fever pitch,

05:40Game 4 promises to be a defining moment for both franchises.

05:44Thanks for watching Jintotsky Sports.

05:48If that video hit home or gave you something to think about,

05:52drop a like and let me know what you think in the comments.

05:55Don't forget to subscribe for more stories

05:57that bring the heart of sports to life.

06:00Until next time, stay inspired and keep chasing greatness.

Category

Transcript

Recommended