Steph Curry remains absent, but the Golden State Warriors, along with Jimmy Butler’s impressive 33 points, put forth a commendable effort. Nonetheless, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 102-97 victory, gaining a 2-1 advantage in the Western Conference semifinals. Anthony Edwards led the scoring for the Timberwolves with 35 points. Julius Randle recorded a triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and …

By its very essence, a seed signifies something minute—an insignificant speck until it blossoms into something greater over time. However, seeding in the context of the NBA playoffs carries substantial weight, laden with expectations and responsibilities. This is particularly true for the top seed. Teams that earn this status in both conferences must manage the accompanying pressure, enduring both triumphs …