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The Minnesota Timberwolves triumphed over the Golden State Warriors, securing a 121-110 victory that propelled them into the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
In clinching the Semifinals best-of-seven series with a decisive 4-1 record, Rudy Gobert delivered a standout performance, scoring 17 points on 8 of 9 shooting from inside the arc, alongside eight rebounds and one block during 27 minutes of play at Target Center on Wednesday.
“I concentrated on my preparation, and once I’m on the court, it’s about savoring the experience, staying engaged on both ends, and aiming to inspire my teammates with my energy. Typically, the game flows naturally from there,” conveyed Gobert, the 32-year-old French center, during a postgame interview.
The Timberwolves will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Denver Nuggets in the next round.
“It’s all about us. It doesn’t matter who we play; it’s about our mindset, our effort, and our attention to every detail. We have the urgency we need, and we know we can compete with anyone,” Gobert remarked.
“My singular focus is on winning a championship,” he emphasized, adding, “That’s my only priority.”
Last year’s playoffs saw the Timberwolves reach the Western Finals but succumb to the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic in a five-game series.
“It’s crucial to maintain emotional balance, to be present, and to appreciate each day, every practice, and each game. When the chance arises, we must be prepared,” Gobert reflected on this opportunity to reach the Finals again, stating, “We’re halfway there—it’s almost like the start of a new season.”
The Warriors struggled without Stephen Curry, ultimately facing a 25-point deficit late in the third quarter. Dutch player Quinten Post contributed three points and three rebounds over nearly ten minutes of play in Game 5.
In other playoff matchups, the Cleveland Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat (4-0), the Boston Celtics secured a 4-1 victory over the Orlando Magic, the New York Knicks edged out the Detroit Pistons (4-2), and the Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks (4-1).
The Thunder dominated the Grizzlies in a 4-0 sweep, while the Rockets and Warriors engaged in a tightly contested series that concluded at 4-3 in favor of the Rockets. The Lakers were bested by the Timberwolves (4-1), and the Nuggets narrowly overcame the Clippers (4-3).
In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cavaliers fell to the Pacers (1-4), while the Celtics faced a challenging battle with the Knicks (2-3).
As the tournament progresses, the Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets are set to clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the next round.
Stay tuned for the latest updates.
