The NBA playoffs delivered big stories this week. The Minnesota Timberwolves tied their series with the Golden State Warriors, while the Boston Celtics face tough questions after falling 2-0 in their own matchup. Both series have big narratives, from injury scares to shooting struggles. This time of year keeps fans on edge as teams fight to stay alive in the postseason and players deal with immense pressure.

Anthony Edwards Injury Scare and Minnesota’s Big Win

Anthony Edwards gave Timberwolves fans a scare when he went down with an ankle injury in the second quarter of Game 2. Minnesota’s season seemed in jeopardy for a moment, as Edwards is a core part of both their offense and defense. Thankfully for Minnesota, he returned after halftime, clearly limping but still making an impact. Edwards finished with 20 points, rallying the crowd and his teammates for a huge win.

Minnesota’s 117-93 victory over Golden State leveled the series at one game each. The Timberwolves were aggressive from the start and built momentum after Edwards returned. His drive and willingness to play through pain set a tone the rest of the team followed. When a rising star like Edwards goes down, even briefly, it can shift the momentum and morale of a tight series.

The Timberwolves’ resilience stood out. Their ability to focus and execute after the injury was a key factor. Minnesota will now look to carry this energy forward as the series heads to Golden State. Protecting Edwards and making sure he is healthy enough to remain effective will be a priority for the coaches and trainers, especially with the playoff pressure rising.

This win was important not just for morale but for the series itself. Dropping two straight games to a team as experienced as the Warriors would have made the road back nearly impossible. Instead, they’ve shown they have both the depth and grit needed at this stage of the playoffs.

Golden State Warriors Without Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors faced the Timberwolves in Game 2 without their leader, Stephen Curry. Curry’s absence because of a hamstring strain left a big hole both offensively and in terms of leadership. The Warriors have often depended on him to carry them in big moments. Without Curry, Golden State’s offense looked disjointed from the opening tip and took nearly five minutes to score their first points.

The impact of missing Curry was clear throughout the game. Golden State couldn’t get its shooters going early, and the Timberwolves capitalized on turnovers and missed shots. The offense lacked a clear creator and struggled to get into a rhythm. Curry is known not just for scoring, but also for spreading the floor and demanding defensive attention. Without him, spacing suffered and few open looks were created.

Many of the Warriors’ regulars, including Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, could not adjust to the extra attention from Minnesota’s defense. Without Curry to ignite runs, the Warriors relied on role players to step up, but consistent production was hard to find. This loss underscored how central Curry is to the Warriors’ playoff hopes.

His status for the upcoming games remains uncertain, and the Warriors’ coaches have tough decisions ahead. They will need to generate offense through other playmakers and adjust strategy if Curry can’t return soon. Their postseason will likely depend on how well they adapt to this challenge.

Key Timberwolves Performances: Randle, Alexander-Walker, McDaniels

While Anthony Edwards’ injury and dramatic return took headlines, three other Timberwolves delivered crucial performances. Julius Randle nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. Randle’s aggressive play opened up space for his teammates and kept the Timberwolves’ offense in high gear. His ability to distribute and attack the basket made a significant difference in Minnesota’s half-court sets.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker came off the bench to score 20 points, providing a much-needed spark. He attacked mismatches and was effective both from long range and around the rim. Minnesota’s bench outscored Golden State’s reserves, a factor often overlooked in close playoff games.

Jaden McDaniels played his best two-way game of the postseason. He put up 16 points, three steals, and three blocks, joining Kevin Garnett as one of the few Timberwolves ever to hit both of those defensive marks in a playoff game. McDaniels’ energy on defense led to easy baskets and key stops that set Minnesota apart.

This trio’s play allowed the Timberwolves to maintain momentum even when Edwards was hindered. Team depth has proven to be a defining difference in this series so far. With multiple threats stepping up, Golden State’s defense struggled to key in on any one player.

Defensive Turnarounds and Three-Point Shooting Shifts

Game 2 saw a dramatic shift not just in energy but in execution for Minnesota. After a tough shooting night in Game 1 – just 5 for 29 from three – the Timberwolves flipped the script by hitting 16 of 37 from beyond the arc in Game 2. This allowed them to stretch Golden State’s defense and create more driving lanes and assist opportunities. The improvement in shooting percentages had an immediate impact on the game’s flow.

The Timberwolves’ defense stepped up as well, capitalizing on 20 Warriors turnovers and turning them into 22 points. Minnesota pressured ball handlers and closed out hard on Golden State’s shooters, holding them to just 9 for 32 on threes – a stark contrast to what’s typically a strength for the Warriors. This defensive pressure was a clear priority and paid off with runouts and easy fastbreak scores.

Golden State had no answers for the Timberwolves’ new energy or for their rotations on defense. Minnesota’s stars were aggressive in switching and contesting shots, which prevented the Warriors from ever finding a consistent rhythm. By the third quarter, Golden State looked frustrated and tentative with the ball.

More than anything, this game demonstrated how quickly offensive and defensive adjustments can turn a series. Minnesota’s ability to adapt after a rough shooting night helped define their effort and put the Warriors on their heels heading into Game 3.

This turnaround has set up the remaining games of the series to be unpredictable, especially if Minnesota keeps up the hot shooting and pressure defense seen in Game 2.

Warriors’ Scoring Woes and Draymond Green’s Frustrations

The Warriors experienced one of their roughest offensive outings of the postseason. With Curry sidelined, Golden State struggled early, going nearly five minutes before their first points. The team seemed unable to generate quality looks, and frustration began to show. Draymond Green, typically a vocal on-court leader, was visibly upset after picking up a technical foul. He later voiced his thoughts in pointed postgame comments about the officiating and his own play.

Golden State, known for quick ball movement and sharp shooting, managed only 28% from three-point range. The Warriors had trouble taking care of the ball, often getting stripped or forcing passes into traffic. Turnovers let Minnesota get out in transition, which only increased the pressure on the Warriors’ defense. The loss of composure and lack of rhythm was evident throughout the night.

Jimmy Butler, brought over from the Miami Heat at the trade deadline, was expected to step up in Curry’s absence, but attempted only 13 shots. He finished with 17 points but never found the assertiveness the team needed. The Warriors’ current situation has put a spotlight on some offensive challenges that extend beyond missing Curry – they must find new ways to score and unsettle defenses quickly in this playoff environment.

Jonathan Kuminga’s Emergence Off the Bench

Jonathan Kuminga was one of the few bright spots for Golden State. Coming off the bench, he led the team with 18 points and seemed more confident than at any other point this season. Kuminga’s blend of athleticism and size forced Minnesota to adjust defensively and pay more attention to the Warriors’ second unit. For a team dealing with missing stars and inconsistent scoring, Kuminga’s play was a rare positive.

Kuminga has been in and out of the rotation for much of the year, but quickly found himself with a larger role due to Curry’s absence. His ability to attack the rim and create his own shot stood out in a game where the offense was generally flat. If the Warriors want to have a chance to swing the series back in their favor, Kuminga will need to keep this level of play up and possibly expand his role even further.

The coaching staff may now have to lean on Kuminga’s energy and unpredictability, especially if Curry remains out or limited for future games. Integrating young players in high-pressure situations is never easy, but in this case, it could be the spark Golden State needs to stay afloat in the playoffs.

Celtics Down 2-0 Against Knicks: Major Concerns

The Boston Celtics find themselves in a surprising hole after dropping the first two games to the New York Knicks in their second-round series. After a regular season that saw Boston finish 61-21, expectations were high entering the postseason. The Celtics were not expected to struggle out of the gate, especially against a team they’ve had success against in the past. Now, losing two straight at home with the roster fully healthy – there is justifiable concern among fans and analysts.

Boston made history for the wrong reason, becoming the first team in the play-by-play era to blow 20-point leads in multiple playoff games. This collapse raises questions about the team’s mental toughness and ability to respond to adversity. The Celtics’ strong defensive identity disappeared in the fourth quarter of both games as the Knicks clawed their way back.

Pressure is intensifying for both the coaching staff and players. As reigning champions, the Celtics are expected to perform under playoff pressure, but now face doubts about their chemistry, offense, and mental approach. The rest of the series – and potentially the core of this team – could be on the line in the next game.

With a looming potential roster shakeup this offseason, the urgency to respond is higher than ever. Getting their confidence and edge back is essential before the series shifts to New York.

Shooting Slumps Plague Boston

The most glaring issue for the Celtics has been their shooting slump. Over the first two games, Boston hit only 25% of their three-point attempts. Even on wide-open looks, the numbers remained disappointing. For a team that shot the ball well all year and relied on spacing to unlock their stars, this cold spell has come at the worst time possible.

The Celtics also struggled inside the arc, hitting just over 35% of their field goals in both games. These were their worst shooting performances of the season. When a playoff-ready team like New York focuses on limiting attempts around the rim and pressuring shooters, any cold streak is magnified. The Celtics’ inability to hit open shots took away chances to run, limited second-chance opportunities, and amped up the pressure on every possession.

This slump has created uncertainty and hesitation late in games. Players passed up open shots, appeared reluctant to attack closeouts, and the ball movement slowed. If Boston cannot rediscover its touch quickly, even their rock-solid defense may not be enough to overcome New York’s momentum in this series.

Jayson Tatum’s Struggles and Leadership

Jayson Tatum has faced tough criticism for his play so far. He’s averaging 18 points per game in the series, but on poor shooting: just 28.6% from the field. Even as he collects rebounds and assists, the Celtics need him to be more efficient and assertive on the offensive end if they want to bounce back. Key possessions have ended with missed perimeter shots or forced passes – rarely the kind of play Boston counts on from their leader.

Tatum expressed his frustration after Game 2, saying,

“I take full ownership on the way that I’ve played in this series. Can’t sugarcoat anything. I need to be better, I expect to be a lot better.”

This accountability matters in the locker room, but the on-court response will be even more important in Game 3. The Celtics need Tatum not only to fill the box score but also to provide poise and energy when the game tightens up late.

The roster, including talented players like Kristaps Porzingis, needs Tatum at his best to avoid a deeper deficit. Given the high stakes and expectations, the spotlight will be on Tatum for every move he makes in the next game.

If he can break out of this slump, Boston has a real shot to turn things around. If not, changes could come sooner than many fans expect.

Upcoming NBA Draft Combine: Top Prospects to Watch

While the playoffs take center stage, the next generation of NBA stars is gathering in Chicago for the annual Draft Combine. Scouts and executives will be watching closely as prospects run drills, scrimmage, and interview with teams. The combine is an opportunity for some players to solidify their draft stock and others to rise up the board before the NBA Draft later this summer.

This year, the combine has drawn added attention due to the talent at the top. Names like Cooper Flagg (Duke), Dylan Harper (Rutgers), Ace Bailey (Rutgers), VJ Edgecombe (Baylor), and Tre Johnson (Texas) are among the top five on most expert boards. Some of these prospects may choose to sit out or limit their participation, but for others, it’s a chance to prove themselves against elite peers.

Teams searching for passing and playmaking are especially interested in Egor Demin, regarded as the best passer in the class. Demin’s shooting and long-term potential are under the microscope, with a strong combine potentially shifting him from a mid-round pick back into the top ten.

Potential Impact of Cooper Flagg and Draft Lottery Stakes

The NBA Draft Lottery, set for Monday night, holds special significance this year. With 13 teams hoping to snag the number one pick, the focus is mainly on Duke star Cooper Flagg. Flagg’s versatility and size have drawn comparisons to some of the best forwards to enter the draft in the past decade. Winning the lottery could reset the direction of a franchise overnight, making this one of the most anticipated lotteries in years.

Teams with rebuilding rosters, or those looking to add a final piece, will be following the results closely. Some teams – like the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs – have a track record of developing young players and could quickly become contenders with the right talent. Others need foundational stars to spark a full rebuild, making Flagg’s landing spot a story to track through the offseason.

Recent mock drafts show Flagg as a likely lock for number one, but how teams approach the rest of the draft will depend on lottery results. For many of the league’s struggling teams, the hopes of fans and front offices now rest on ping pong balls and the potential of one transformative prospect.

This year’s lottery drama and the intrigue around Cooper Flagg promise to shape NBA conversations long after the playoffs end.

This Weekend’s Key NBA and NHL Playoff Games

The NBA and NHL playoffs are set for a packed weekend, giving sports fans a full schedule to follow. Friday night features matchups like the Maple Leafs at Panthers (NHL), Cavaliers at Pacers, and Thunder at Nuggets (NBA). Saturday brings the Celtics’ do-or-die game versus the Knicks, while the Timberwolves and Warriors continue their heated series. The action spills over into Sunday, with more NBA Game 4s and crucial NHL games on the schedule.

These games could shape the rest of both postseasons. For example, the Timberwolves and Warriors series will head to Game 3 with both teams desperate to build momentum. The Celtics must avoid falling 3-0 in New York, while NHL contenders hope to close out or extend their own playoff runs.

Playoff schedules at this point keep both fans and athletes constantly engaged, knowing that every game can swing a series. Upsets and major moments often come on weekends when viewership is high and the crowd intensity reaches new levels.

Between basketball and hockey, this is one of the most exciting points on the sports calendar, with highlights and headlines changing by the hour.