The Minnesota Timberwolves are playing another blockbuster series, this time against the Golden State Warriors. With fantastic players on both sides, it will be a second-round series for the ages.
As one of the most successful teams of the past decade, the Warriors have a reputation for being hard to beat in the Playoffs. The Timberwolves have been seen as a bit of a "giant killer" over the past few years, which could bode well for them in this matchup.
Since he is the most experienced team on the Timberwolves, Mike Conley Jr. will be important for this team. He has clashed with the Warriors multiple times, including the 2015 semi-finals between Golden State and the Memphis Grizzlies.
That was also the series when Conley got hit in the face by Draymond Green. It led to the veteran guard wearing a protective mask. Conley might not be the most fiery player, but getting hit in the face will always be in the back of his mind.
Timberwolves vs Warriors Has Plenty Of Storylines
The Timberwolves always play in an entertaining series in the Playoffs, but this one against the Warriors might have the most stories behind it.
The first would be Jimmy Butler returning to Minnesota. He stood out for the Timberwolves for a season, leading them to a Playoff berth. That stint was a rollercoaster because Butler had an infamous trade request alongside some prominent scrimmage games.
Many storylines involve Draymond Green. The four-time champion is always in the headlines for clashes with opponents or his trash-talking. He has always been clashing with Rudy Gobert, so that is one to watch, but even Conley wants some payback from the hit a decade ago.
"I might not have the best appreciation for the whole Jimmy thing. I wasn't here, but I do know what it means to the city," Conley said ahead of Game 1. "Golden State as itself, the whole entity of it, the organization and the success they have. Draymond and the whole choking people out, you got all of that going on. It's exciting, there will be a lot of buzz. That's what people want to see."
Conley's Insights About Playing Against The Warriors
Outside the narratives, Conley admits that it will be a tough matchup. The Warriors are a nightmare to play against, especially with their championship experience.
With Stephen Curry on the other side, the Timberwolves have their work cut out. Conley has experienced getting beaten by this Warriors team and will relay his insights to his team.
"It takes a lot of discipline, but I think we have the guys who athletically can match the speed they play, the physicality they play with," Conley said about playing the Warriors. "But, we can sustain it in 24 seconds of a shot clock. We can sustain not ball-watching, staying attached to shooters, and understanding personnel... It's going to take a lot of mental preparation for that."
This will not be a pleasant series for either team, which makes Chris Finch and Steve Kerr's jobs more important. They need to outwit the opposing coach, which will be a tough test in the postseason.
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