Timberwolves Advance to West Finals Over Warriors

The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive year after defeating the Golden State Warriors 121-110 in Game 5, led by Julius Randle's 29 points on 13-for-18 shooting. Anthony Edwards contributed 22 points and 12 assists, while Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley also played key roles. The Warriors were without Stephen Curry due to injury and, despite career-high playoff performances from Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga, lost their fourth straight postseason game for the first time since 1972. Randle's exceptional postseason play has drawn comparisons to franchise legend Kevin Garnett and confirmed his status as a cornerstone for Minnesota. The Timberwolves will next face the winner of the Denver-Oklahoma City series in the Western Conference finals, potentially benefiting from up to five days of rest. Randle, acquired in a trade for Karl-Anthony Towns, has been instrumental in Minnesota's playoff run.