NBA Playoffs: Wolves walk past Curry less Warriors; Tatum less Celtics claw back

Wednesday night in the NBA Playoffs delivered a clear changing of the guard in the Western Conference while the Eastern Conference saw a desperate fight for survival. The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, eliminating the Golden State Warriors with a commanding 121-110 victory in Game 5. Minnesota closed out the series 4-1, proving too much for a Warriors squad hampered by the absence of star Steph Curry, who missed the final four games with a hamstring injury.

(4) Minnesota Timberwolves-Golden State Warriors (1): 121-110

In a raucous home environment, the Timberwolves saw six players score in double figures, led by Julius Randle's impressive 29 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Anthony Edwards provided a strong all-around performance with 22 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists. Rudy Gobert added 17 points, and veteran Mike Conley contributed a crucial 16 points and eight rebounds, including timely three-pointers.

Despite spirited efforts from Golden State's Brandin Podziemski (28 points) and Jonathan Kuminga (26), the Curry-less Warriors consistently faltered whenever Minnesota answered their runs. Golden State's season concludes, marked by the final four losses without their key player, leaving questions about the roster construction around Curry and trade-deadline acquisition Jimmy Butler for the upcoming summer.

The Timberwolves now await the winner of the series between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Minnesota's advancement to back-to-back Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history solidifies their status as contenders.

(2) Boston Celtics-New York Knicks (3): 127-102

Earlier on Wednesday, the Boston Celtics, playing without their injured star Jayson Tatum (torn Achilles), staved off elimination by defeating the New York Knicks 127-102 in Game 5. Boston's win narrowed the Knicks' series lead to 3-2. After a tight first half, the Celtics dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 32-17. Derrick White delivered a standout performance for Boston with 34 points, supported by Jaylen Brown's 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds; Brown effectively managed the offense in Tatum's absence.

A key tactical shift for Boston was benching Kristaps Porziņģis, who had struggled with illness and performance, in favor of Luke Kornet in the second half. Kornet provided a "major spark," recording five blocks in the third quarter alone and finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks, his impactful play helping the Celtics stay alive.

For the New York Knicks, their inability to close out the series means their "25-year drought of not making the Eastern Conference finals will continue" for at least a few more days. Their third-quarter collapse in Game 5 was characterized by "abysmal" transition and half-court defense and significant foul trouble, notably Jalen Brunson committing five fouls in the third quarter alone, leading to him fouling out with over seven minutes remaining.

Despite Brunson's 22 points before fouling out, the Knicks struggled to contain Boston. The Knicks still hold a 3-2 series lead but face pressure to finish the series quickly against the "fast-paced and well-rested Pacers" awaiting in the Eastern Conference Finals. The series returns to New York for Game 6 on Friday night, where the Celtics will look to force a decisive Game 7.