NBA Final Two Minutes: Timberwolves vs. Warriors – A Thrilling Conclusion

The final two minutes of a basketball game are often the most electrifying, where every second counts, every possession could determine the outcome, and every player becomes a hero or villain. In this imagined scenario, the Minnesota Timberwolves are taking on the Golden State Warriors in an intense game that could decide playoff positioning. With both teams filled with talented players and high stakes on the line, the closing moments of the game are poised to be a dramatic affair.

The Setting:

It’s the late stages of the 2025 NBA season, and both teams find themselves battling for a top seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. The Timberwolves, with their mix of youthful athleticism and experience, have clawed their way into a potential playoff berth. The Warriors, however, remain one of the most potent offensive teams in the league, led by the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. On this night, the Warriors are hosting the Timberwolves at the Chase Center in San Francisco, a raucous environment where every inch of floor space feels amplified under the bright lights.

With just two minutes left, the Timberwolves are clinging to a two-point lead, 112-110. The Warriors, who have been down for much of the game, are seizing the opportunity to make a late run. The tension is palpable. Fans are on the edge of their seats, knowing that these final possessions will be the ones that decide the outcome of the game.

1:58 Remaining – The Timberwolves Control the Ball:

The Timberwolves take possession after a contested layup attempt by Warriors guard Jordan Poole that rims out. It’s a crucial stop, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch calls for a timeout to set up a play. With star guard Anthony Edwards leading the way, the Timberwolves have been finding success in transition and off the dribble, using their athleticism to get past the Warriors’ defense.

Out of the timeout, the Timberwolves set up an isolation play for Edwards at the top of the key. Edwards, who has been the team’s primary scorer all night, faces off against Klay Thompson, a seasoned defender but one who has struggled with consistency this season. Edwards is confident, using his quick first step to blow by Thompson. As he drives to the basket, Warriors center Kevon Looney steps up to contest, but Edwards has one of the most explosive finishes in the league. He elevates, hangs in the air, and finishes with a powerful slam, drawing a roar from the Timberwolves bench.

Timberwolves Lead, 114-110.

It’s a beautiful play, and for the Warriors, it’s a gut punch. They’ve been fighting their way back into the game, but now they need to respond quickly.

1:32 Remaining – The Warriors’ Answer:

Golden State comes down the court, and with the game still within reach, they’re looking for the best possible shot. The Timberwolves are in a 2-3 zone, attempting to disrupt the Warriors’ outside shooting, but they know they have to defend Stephen Curry first and foremost. Curry, who has been relatively quiet throughout the game, is now calling for the ball.

After a series of screens, Curry gets free on the right wing. Edwards, having to switch on him, is caught off guard. Curry gets a clean look, launching a three-pointer from deep. It’s the kind of shot he’s made thousands of times, and the ball arcs toward the basket.

The crowd rises in anticipation, and as the ball sails through the air, the Timberwolves fans collectively hold their breath. The shot hits nothing but net. Curry has hit the clutch three-pointer, and the Warriors are back in front.

Warriors Lead, 115-114.

It’s a dagger, but this game is far from over. The Timberwolves still have time, and with one of the most talented young players in the NBA in Edwards, they are far from out of it.

1:10 Remaining – Timberwolves Respond:

Finch calls for another timeout, and the Timberwolves set up a quick inbound play. Edwards, with his lightning-fast ability to create space, is the focal point once again. This time, he moves off the ball and cuts toward the baseline, catching a pass from Mike Conley. Edwards takes a dribble and then surveys the court.

The Warriors are playing solid defense, but Edwards is in a groove. He looks to attack, drawing a switch on Draymond Green. Green, despite his defensive prowess, is at a disadvantage against the speed and athleticism of Edwards. Edwards drives to the left and finishes at the rim with a smooth floater over the outstretched arm of Green.

Timberwolves Lead, 116-115.

It’s another spectacular finish from Edwards, and just like that, the Timberwolves regain the lead. But with under a minute left, it’s anyone’s game.

0:47 Remaining – The Warriors Strike Back:

Now it’s the Warriors’ turn to respond. Curry, as he’s done so many times in the past, calmly brings the ball up the court, directing traffic as he surveys the defense. He calls for a pick-and-roll with Looney, who sets a solid screen. The Timberwolves’ defense switches, leaving Edwards momentarily guarding Looney. Curry, knowing the mismatch, quickly passes the ball to Looney, who has a clear path to the basket.

Looney takes the ball in stride, but Jaden Ivey, the Timberwolves’ rookie guard, makes a well-timed rotation and swats the shot at the rim. It’s a sensational defensive play that silences the crowd. However, the ball is still loose in the air and lands in the hands of Draymond Green, who is known for his grit and determination. Green immediately fires a pass to Thompson on the perimeter.

Klay Thompson, despite his struggles throughout the game, is one of the most deadly shooters in NBA history. Without hesitation, he takes the open three-pointer from the left corner. The ball sails through the air, the gym holding its collective breath.

It hits nothing but net.

Warriors Lead, 118-116.

Thompson, with his trademark celebration, gives the Warriors the lead again with 30 seconds remaining. The Timberwolves are stunned. They had their chance to extend their lead, but now they’re faced with a must-score situation to keep their playoff hopes alive.

0:25 Remaining – Timberwolves’ Final Chance:

The Timberwolves call their final timeout, and the game now comes down to one final possession. Finch draws up a play for Edwards, who has been the offensive engine all game long. The Warriors, sensing his importance, decide to double-team Edwards on the perimeter, forcing the ball out of his hands.

Edwards quickly swings the ball to Conley at the top of the key. Conley, the veteran point guard, surveys the floor. The shot clock is winding down, and he knows he needs to make a quick decision. Conley drives hard to the basket, but Looney is waiting in the paint. Instead of taking the contested shot, Conley kicks it out to the open man on the wing – Jaden Ivey.

Ivey, who’s shown flashes of brilliance all season long, squares up and releases a three-pointer with the shot clock expiring. The ball is in the air, and as the buzzer sounds, the gym holds its breath once again.

The shot hits the back rim… and bounces out.

It’s a heartbreaker for the Timberwolves. The Warriors secure the rebound, and Looney immediately calls for a timeout. The Timberwolves, despite their best efforts, have come up just short.

Final Score: Warriors 118, Timberwolves 116.

Postgame Reflections:

As the final buzzer sounds, the Chase Center erupts in jubilation, and the Timberwolves are left to reflect on what could have been. The game was an absolute roller coaster, filled with lead changes, clutch shots, and spectacular plays. In the end, it was the Warriors’ experience and their late-game execution that secured the victory.

For the Timberwolves, there are a lot of positives to take away from the game. Anthony Edwards showed that he is capable of being a true leader on the court, scoring with ease and playing with confidence. Jaden Ivey’s growth as a defender and scorer was evident, and Mike Conley’s steady play helped keep the Timberwolves in the game.

But in the NBA, the difference between victory and defeat often comes down to the smallest of margins. The Timberwolves had opportunities to extend their lead in the final moments, but missed shots, untimely turnovers, and the Warriors’ defensive adjustments proved to be too much.

The Warriors, meanwhile, proved once again why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Curry’s clutch three-pointer and Thompson’s timely shot in the corner were game-changers, and Green’s leadership on both ends of the floor provided the steady hand the Warriors needed to close out the game.

As the Timberwolves walk off the court, their disappointment is clear, but there’s no shame in this performance. They fought hard, and with a little more experience and a few more clutch plays, they’ll be a team to watch in the years to come.

For the Warriors, it’s another example of their championship pedigree and resilience, reminding the league that when it comes to the final two minutes, they are a team you never want to count out.