Golden State Warriors vs Timberwolves Timeline – 2022 Playoff Series Recap

The 2022 Western Conference first round presented a compelling clash between championship pedigree and emerging talent when the Golden State Warriors faced the Minnesota Timberwolves. Spanning eleven days in early May, this six-game series saw the third-seeded Warriors ultimately defeat the seventh-seeded Timberwolves 4-2, advancing toward their fourth NBA title in eight years.

Minnesota arrived via the play-in tournament with a 46-36 record, riding momentum behind Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Golden State, posting a 53-29 regular-season mark, sought to reassert dominance after injury-plagued seasons. The confrontation delivered high-scoring affairs averaging approximately 225 combined points per game as the teams vied for advancement.

This comprehensive breakdown examines the complete timeline, individual game results, pivotal moments, and statistical leaders that defined this postseason matchup.

What is the Full Timeline of the Golden State Warriors vs Timberwolves Playoff Series?

The 2022 first-round series followed a predetermined 2-2-1-1-1 format, with Golden State hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 6, while Minnesota hosted Games 3 and 4. The competition remained intense throughout, with three of the six contests decided by double-digit margins.

• The series commenced on May 1, 2022, and concluded on May 11, 2022
• Golden State overcame a Game 1 home loss to win four of the next five games
• Stephen Curry averaged 31.8 points per game, leading all scorers
• Minnesota secured the seventh seed through the play-in tournament before facing the Warriors
• Golden State maintained a perfect 2-0 record on the road at Target Center
• Jordan Poole provided crucial bench scoring, averaging 17.0 points per game
• The Warriors eliminated the need for a decisive Game 7 by closing out the series in six games

Official game logs and box scores are available via NBA official archives.

What Were the Game-by-Game Scores and Results?

Each contest in this series carried distinct narrative weight, from Minnesota’s shocking opener to Golden State’s defensive clincher. The games alternated locations between San Francisco’s Chase Center and Minneapolis’s Target Center, with television coverage airing nationally throughout the run.

Game 1: Timberwolves Stun Warriors at Home

Minnesota opened the series with a statement 130-108 victory on May 1 at Chase Center. Anthony Edwards exploded for 32 points, while the Timberwolves capitalized on 20 Golden State turnovers. D’Angelo Russell contributed 24 points, exposing early defensive vulnerabilities in the Warriors’ home floor defense.

Games 2 Through 4: Warriors Seize Control

Golden State responded immediately in Game 2, with Stephen Curry scoring 39 points on 14-of-26 shooting to even the series. The Warriors then traveled to Minnesota and secured consecutive victories, taking Games 3 and 4 at Target Center. Curry added 36 points in Game 3, while Jordan Poole’s 33-point bench explosion, including eight three-pointers, powered the Game 4 win that established a 3-1 series lead.

Games 5 and 6: The Closing Stretch

Karl-Anthony Towns delayed elimination with a dominant 33-point, 17-rebound performance in Game 5, forcing the series back to San Francisco. However, Golden State’s defense clamped down in Game 6, holding Minnesota to 38 percent shooting while Curry facilitated with 14 assists to secure the series.

Who Won the Warriors vs Timberwolves Series and How?

Golden State secured the series 4-2, advancing to the Western Conference semifinals. The victory stemmed from superior depth, veteran execution, and defensive adjustments rather than mere star power.

Bench Production and Depth

Jordan Poole’s emergence as a reliable third scoring option provided crucial separation. Averaging 17.0 points and shooting 41 percent from three-point range, Poole outscored Minnesota’s reserves consistently. This depth allowed Golden State to survive off nights from primary contributors and maintain offensive pressure throughout all four quarters.

Defensive Adjustments

Andrew Wiggins’ assignment on Anthony Edwards proved pivotal. After Edwards scored 32 in Game 1, Wiggins helped limit the Wolves guard to 20 points in Game 2. The Warriors’ team defense restricted Minnesota to under 100 points in the clinching Game 6, a stark contrast to the 124 points allowed in Game 5.

What Were the Key Moments and Highlights?

Several pivotal sequences defined the competitive tension between these Western Conference opponents, from individual breakout performances to momentum-shifting defensive stands.

Edwards’ Breakout Game

Anthony Edwards’ 32-point, 8-rebound, 4-assist line in Game 1 signaled his arrival as a postseason force. The performance stood as Minnesota’s high-water mark for offensive execution and demonstrated the Wolves’ capacity to compete with established contenders.

Poole’s Game 4 Explosion

Jordan Poole’s 33-point effort off the bench in Game 4 broke the series open for Golden State. This performance gave the Warriors a 3-1 advantage and forced Minnesota into elimination-game scenarios, showcasing the depth that would define Golden State’s playoff success.

Towns’ Game 5 Resistance

Facing elimination, Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a 33-point, 17-rebound double-double that extended the series. The Timberwolves shot 52 percent from the field in this contest, showcasing resilience before the final defeat in San Francisco.

When Did the Warriors Play the Timberwolves in the 2022 Playoffs?

The series unfolded over an eleven-day period in May 2022, with games scheduled to accommodate arena availability and national broadcast requirements.

1. May 1, 2022: Game 1 at Chase Center, Minnesota wins 130-108
2. May 3, 2022: Game 2 at Chase Center, Golden State wins 126-109
3. May 6, 2022: Game 3 at Target Center, Golden State wins 117-99
4. May 8, 2022: Game 4 at Target Center, Golden State wins 119-109
5. May 11, 2022: Game 5 at Chase Center, Minnesota wins 124-103
6. May 11, 2022: Game 6 at Chase Center, Golden State wins 110-96

What Facts Are Established vs. Uncertain?

While the series outcome and statistical records remain definitively documented, certain contextual elements require careful distinction between verified data and retrospective analysis.

What Was the Pre-Series Context for Warriors vs Timberwolves 2022?

The matchup materialized following divergent regular-season trajectories. Golden State secured the third seed with a 53-29 record, navigating through injury concerns to establish themselves as championship contenders. Minnesota earned the seventh seed through the play-in tournament after finishing 46-36, representing the franchise’s return to postseason relevance.

A March 1 regular-season meeting foreshadowed the playoff intensity, with Minnesota securing a 129-114 victory behind 39 points from Towns against 34 from Curry. However, the postseason context proved vastly different, with Golden State’s defensive intensity and rotation depth ultimately determining the outcome.

For additional financial context related to sports economics and international conversions, see 216 USD to CAD – Live Rate and Conversion Guide.

What Do Primary Sources Document About the Series?

Official records from the NBA and statistical aggregators provide the definitive account of this postseason matchup. Basketball-Reference archives confirm the box scores and advanced metrics, while the NBA’s official game logs validate the timeline.

Contemporary reporting from ESPN’s series coverage documented the strategic adjustments made by both coaching staffs, particularly Golden State’s defensive schemes against Minnesota’s pick-and-roll actions.

What Was the Final Outcome of the Warriors vs Timberwolves Series?

Golden State defeated Minnesota 4-2 in the Western Conference first round, advancing to face the Memphis Grizzlies in the conference semifinals. The victory validated the Warriors’ championship credentials while providing the Timberwolves with valuable postseason experience for their young core. Stephen Curry’s scoring leadership and the team’s defensive adjustments in Games 2 through 6 proved decisive factors. Additional reading on corporate histories and brand development is available via Bath and Body Works – Company History Products and Policies.

Frequently Asked Questions