Anthony Edwards Ignites as Timberwolves Dominate Warriors 118–96 to Take 3–1 Series Lead

The clip opens with admiration for Curry, noting someone doing a “Steph impersonation” by hitting deep threes.
Despite Curry’s aura, his absence (due to a hamstring injury) looms large.
He was seen soaking in the arena postgame, almost like a farewell moment.
Warriors coach and Draymond said they didn’t want Steph to feel pressure to be Superman.
Analyst notes: Even if Curry wanted to save the series, the injury wouldn’t allow it. A hamstring like that takes at least two weeks to heal properly—unrealistic during a high-stakes series.

Edwards is praised as a rising star, compared metaphorically to Curry in his ability to take over games.
Stats back it up: 7.5 PPG in first halves on poor shooting (26%), but 20 PPG in second halves on 64% shooting—he heats up late and takes control.
One analyst calls him the “brightest star in the room,” not just for talent, but leadership and charisma.
The Wolves are feeding off his energy and showing a killer instinct they lacked last season.

Randle nearly drops 40 in the third quarter.
The offense ran through him with high-level shot-making: step-backs, deep threes, and tough finishes.
He had a great series overall and this stretch was arguably his peak performance.

Minnesota seems emotionally ready this year.
Analyst compares this to last year, when they gave up their advantage to the Nuggets.
This time, they’re not trying to “play like they already won”—they want to finish.
The team’s discipline and understanding of urgency are clear.

Jimmy Butler was reportedly under the weather.
He didn’t assert himself offensively, and analysts believe that’s because he knows Steph won’t return—so the fight is gone.
A symbolic moment: Butler’s lack of aggression was read as surrender, indicating Miami sees no realistic comeback path.

His post-halftime dominance reflects maturity and elite conditioning.
He’s learned from Curry directly—Edwards told him in the summer, “I ain’t never gonna stop shooting,” crediting Curry’s influence.
Minnesota may have the West’s most balanced and mentally tough squad now.

Steph’s body language, injury, and the Warriors’ overall lack of depth signal a fading dynasty.
The emotional fatigue is evident, and without Curry, they lose their identity.
Warriors’ role players were uninspired; even Draymond can’t rally the squad without the gravity Steph brings.

They’ve flipped the narrative: from emotional and inconsistent last year, to disciplined and lethal.
They’ve learned from their Denver collapse and smell blood this time.
Their length, depth, and physicality are overpowering the short-handed Warriors.

Butler’s known for playoff fire—but this version looks dimmed.
Analysts suggest he’s saving his body, knowing the odds are insurmountable without Steph.
Miami’s hope seemed tied entirely to Curry’s return, and with that door closing, Jimmy fades too.

This game may mark a turning point in NBA power dynamics:

Anthony Edwards is emerging as a face of the league.
Minnesota is no longer “up next”—they’re here now.
The Warriors’ dynasty is fading, not with a bang but with a limp.
Jimmy Butler’s tank may be on “E”, symbolizing the end of a rugged, resilient Miami era.