The Warriors stayed within reasonable striking distance of Minnesota until late in the second quarter. After Draymond Green scored five points to cut the deficit to just six with 2:20 left in the half, the Wolves closed the quarter on a 9-0 run fueled by a Randle dunk and and-1 layup. Minnesota led 62-47 at the half.

In nearly 1,000 possessions prior to the playoffs, Golden State had a plus-12.8 net rating when Butler was on the floor without Curry. In those same non-Curry minutes, Butler averaged 24.9 points and 7.6 assists per 75 possessions, with a 63.7 true shooting percentage.

A surging Minnesota squad eliminated shorthanded Golden State in five games to reach its second straight Western Conference finals.