MINNEAPOLIS (WE) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are back in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season, led by the steady hand of veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. The 37-year-old floor general has played a pivotal role in guiding a young, dynamic Timberwolves team through a playoff run marked by maturity, resilience, and high-level execution.
This marks only the second time in franchise history that the Timberwolves have reached the conference finals in consecutive years. For Conley, it represents perhaps his last and best chance to reach the NBA Finals.
Veteran Leadership at the Helm
Conley, who was drafted fourth overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, has carved out a career defined by consistency and professionalism. Despite appearing in more than 1,000 regular-season games and 80 playoff contests, a Finals berth has remained elusive—until now.
“He’s the best vet you can ask for,” said Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ 23-year-old star guard. “He keeps us grounded. He’s been through it all.”
Conley’s on-court production—averaging 10.3 points, 6.7 assists, and shooting over 40% from three in the playoffs—only tells part of the story. His value has been most evident in the clutch, organizing the offense, managing tempo, and locking down opposing guards like Buddy Hield during the second-round series against the Golden State Warriors.
The Emergence of Anthony Edwards
Edwards, a two-time All-Star, has cemented his status as one of the league’s brightest young talents. Through two rounds of the playoffs, he is averaging 26.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting 48% from the field and 38% from three.
His heroics in the opening round against the Los Angeles Lakers included a 38-point explosion in Game 3 and a game-sealing steal and dunk in Game 5. NBA legend Michael Jordan reportedly praised Edwards during All-Star Weekend, calling him “the future of the league.”
With Conley mentoring from the backcourt, Edwards’ rise has been both rapid and sustainable, positioning Minnesota as a legitimate title contender.
Game-Changing Trade: Towns for Randle
One of the defining moments of Minnesota’s season came in December, when the front office executed a bold trade, sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a future first-round pick.
Randle, often criticized for his postseason struggles in New York, has flourished in Minnesota’s system. In the second-round series against Golden State, he averaged 25.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, delivering efficient scoring and bruising defense.
“He’s been everything we hoped for,” said head coach Chris Finch. “His physicality and versatility have given us a new dimension.”
DiVincenzo has also made key contributions off the bench, particularly on the defensive end, helping contain perimeter scorers and knocking down timely shots.
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Turning the Season Around
Minnesota’s 2024–25 campaign didn’t begin smoothly. The team stumbled to an 8–10 start amid chemistry issues and a tough schedule. But following the Randle trade and a stretch of improved health, the Timberwolves finished the regular season on a tear, winning 17 of their final 21 games to secure the Western Conference’s No. 6 seed.
Their playoff run has been nothing short of dominant. After dispatching the Lakers in five games, Minnesota overwhelmed the Warriors—who were fresh off a first-round upset of the Denver Nuggets—in another five-game series. The Timberwolves’ depth, defense, and offensive versatility have made them one of the postseason’s most complete teams.
Defensive Backbone: Rudy Gobert
Anchoring Minnesota’s league-best defense is Rudy Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Gobert has been a force in the paint, averaging 13.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game while limiting opponents to just 42.5% shooting at the rim.
In Game 5 against the Lakers, Gobert posted a playoff career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds. His ability to erase mistakes and dominate the boards has given Minnesota the interior toughness they previously lacked.
Eyes on the Priz
Minnesota now awaits the winner of the series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns, with Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals set for Tuesday, May 20.
For Conley, it’s a moment 17 years in the making. For the Timberwolves, it’s a chance to chase the first NBA championship in franchise history.
Western Conference Finals Schedule (All Times PDT):
- Game 1: Tuesday, May 20 – Timberwolves @ TBD – 5:30 PM
- Game 2: Thursday, May 22 – Timberwolves @ TBD – 5:30 PM
- Game 3: Saturday, May 24 – TBD @ Timberwolves – 5:30 PM
- Game 4: Monday, May 26 – TBD @ Timberwolves – 5:30 PM
- Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, May 28 – Timberwolves @ TBD – 5:30 PM
- Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, May 30 – TBD @ Timberwolves – 5:30 PM
- Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, June 1 – Timberwolves @ TBD – 5:00 PM
