The Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics delivered statement victories on Wednesday night, with Minnesota securing a spot in the NBA Western Conference finals and Boston extending their playoff run with a crucial win over the New York Knicks.
In Minneapolis, the Timberwolves wrapped up their best-of-seven series against the Golden State Warriors with a dominant 121-110 win, sealing the series 4-1. Displaying a potent mix of size, speed, and accuracy, Minnesota overwhelmed the seven-time NBA champions to book back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference finals. They will next face either the Denver Nuggets or Oklahoma City Thunder for a place in the NBA Finals.
The Timberwolves took control early, storming to a lead in the first quarter and building a commanding 25-point advantage late in the third. Despite a late Warriors rally that trimmed the lead to nine points, Minnesota held firm, closing out the game with poise and precision.
Julius Randle led the Timberwolves’ scoring with 29 points, while Anthony Edwards delivered an all-round masterclass, finishing with 22 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds.
Reflecting on the team’s resilience, Randle said, “We’ve had a season full of adversity, but as coach said at the end of the regular season — we didn’t do anything as far as trades or fire coaches. We just stuck together and we got through it together. I’m super proud of our team. Now we got to keep it going.”
Meanwhile, in Boston, the Celtics rebounded from Monday’s crushing loss — and the devastating injury to star forward Jayson Tatum — to dismantle the New York Knicks 127-102 at the TD Garden. With the win, Boston staved off elimination and forced a game six in the Eastern Conference semi-final series, now set for Friday at Madison Square Garden.
Derrick White and Jaylen Brown combined for 60 points in a commanding performance. White tallied 34 points, while Brown contributed 26 points, eight rebounds, and 12 assists. Bench center Luke Kornet played a pivotal role, blocking seven shots, grabbing a steal, and scoring 10 points to help the Celtics stifle New York’s offense.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s grit. “Whatever it is that we have to go through, there’s no bunch of people I’d rather do it with than the guys in that locker room,” he said.
After a 59-59 deadlock at halftime, Boston surged ahead with a dominant 32-17 third quarter. The Knicks’ hopes faded when Jalen Brunson fouled out with just over seven minutes remaining, ending the night with 22 points.
Boston now looks to carry this momentum into a decisive game six, while Minnesota sets its sights on the Western Conference crown.
