How the Warriors Shattered Franchise Records in an Unforgettable Clash with the Timberwolves

Sometimes, sports gift us moments so striking they demand a double take—like the Golden State Warriors’ defensive clinic in Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Arriving fresh off a grueling Game 7 skirmish, where most expected them to crawl out of the gate drained, the Warriors instead bulldozed their way into the record books with a half so suffocating they held Minnesota to just 31 points—their stingiest playoff half since the shot clock era began in 1954. It got me wondering: Can a defense this relentless become their signature, or was this just a blazing one-off in a brutal postseason? As Steve Kerr barks from the sidelines, emotions run high and the stakes couldn’t be bigger—the Warriors not only claimed the psychological upper hand but also threw down a gauntlet. So, the question remains—how far can Golden State’s newfound shutdown swagger carry them in this relentless playoff chase? Let’s dive in.

The Golden State Warriors escaped what could have been a historic collapse, finally putting away the Houston Rockets in a seven-game first-round series.

Their second-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves comes with massive stakes. Coming off an exhausting Game 7 with minimal rest, conventional wisdom suggested the Warriors might struggle with energy.

Instead, they flipped the script entirely and etched their name in the record books.

In Game 1, Golden State limited the Timberwolves to 31 points in the first half, setting a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a playoff half since the shot clock was introduced in 1954.

“The Dubs’ defense made a stand in the first half,” NBCS Warriors wrote on X.

The Dubs' defense made a stand in the first half pic.twitter.com/wUHH9CGdpU

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 7, 2025

This defensive dominance created an absolute shooting disaster for Minnesota.

The Timberwolves missed their first 16 attempts from 3-point range before Naz Reid finally broke the drought midway through the third quarter.

Anthony Edwards, typically a scoring machine, struggled to find any offensive rhythm.

These factors gave Golden State crucial breathing room, especially after Stephen Curry exited the game with a hamstring injury.

Moving forward, maintaining such defensive intensity will be a tall order for the Warriors.

However, if they can secure a Game 2 victory on Minnesota’s home court, it would dramatically shift the series dynamics.

Stealing the opener not only gave the Warriors a mathematical advantage but also provided a significant psychological edge as they continue their championship pursuit.

The question now becomes whether this defensive showing was a one-game anomaly or a sign of what the Warriors can consistently accomplish.

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