Warriors take Game 1 despite Curry’s early exit due to injury
The Golden State Warriors took Game 1 of their Western Conference Finals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 99-88, on Wednesday, May 7 (PH time) at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Despite losing Stephen Curry early in the second quarter due to a hamstring injury, the Warriors found a way to grind out a crucial road win. Curry never returned to the game, and his status for Game 2 remains uncertain, depending on the severity of the injury.
With their superstar sidelined, the Warriors leaned on the trio of Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green to step up and deliver.
Hield finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal, providing consistent scoring throughout the contest. Butler nearly had a triple-double with 20 markers, 11 boards, eight dimes, and two deflections, leading by example on both ends of the floor. Green also rose to the occasion, ending up with 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals in a strong all-around performance.
On the other side, Anthony Edwards once again led the Timberwolves with 23 markers and 14 boards, continuing his solid postseason run. Naz Reid contributed 19 points and five rebounds off the bench, bringing energy and scoring when Minnesota needed it most.
Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels also added 18 and 12 points, respectively, but their efforts weren’t enough to turn the tide.
Minnesota held a narrow two-point edge at the end of the first period, but Golden State flipped the script in the second and third quarters. The Warriors outscored the Timberwolves with a combined 62-40 advantage in those middle frames, taking control of the game heading into the fourth. The Wolves made a late push, but only managed to trim the deficit to 11 at the final buzzer.
With the Warriors drawing first blood in the series, Game 2 is set for the same venue on Friday, May 9 (PH time), where the Timberwolves will look to bounce back and even the series.
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Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards combined for a powerful one-two punch to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, May 13 (PH time) at the Chase Center. Randle led the way with 31 points, while Edwards followed closely with 30 as the Timberwolves seized a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference Semifinal series.
Minnesota’s victory wasn’t just about their stars. Jaden McDaniels made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, posting a solid double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. He also added two assists, a steal, and a block in a well-rounded performance that provided crucial support for the Wolves’ playoff push.
The Warriors, still without their franchise centerpiece Stephen Curry due to injury, leaned on their young core to carry the load. Jonathan Kuminga led the charge with 23 markers, showcasing his athleticism and aggressiveness on offense. Veterans Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green chipped in 14 points each, but the absence of Curry’s leadership and shooting was clearly felt.
As we continue our Player Profile Series, we shine the spotlight on one of the most quietly dominant figures in Philippine basketball history — Alberto “Abet” Guidaben.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and hailing from Mambajao, Camiguin, Guidaben carved out a legendary career that spanned two decades. Born on September 14, 1952, he would go on to become a 16-time PBA champion, two-time MVP (1983 and 1987), and one of the league’s most consistent frontcourt forces during its golden era.
A product of the Agoho Pirates and the University of San Jose–Recoletos, Guidaben’s rise began with the Crispa squad in the MICAA in 1973. A year later, he represented the Philippines at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, playing alongside legends like Robert Jaworski.
When the PBA launched in 1975, Guidaben was part of the storied Crispa Redmanizers, initially playing behind stars like Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, and Bogs Adornado. But over time, he emerged from the shadows — transforming from a reliable rebounder into one of the most skilled and versatile big men in the league.
Known for his smooth footwork, soft perimeter touch, and signature off-the-glass jumpers, Guidaben also brought an early form of athleticism to the PBA — even dunking during an era when it was rarely seen. He was a vital contributor to Crispa’s Grand Slam seasons in 1976 and 1983, with the latter also earning him his first MVP award.
As he matured into a franchise centerpiece, Guidaben’s rivalry with fellow big man Ramon Fernandez became one of the most iconic in league history. Their careers were so closely intertwined that they were traded for each other twice — first in 1985, between Tanduay and Manila Beer, and again in 1988, when Purefoods acquired Fernandez from San Miguel in exchange for Guidaben.
Over the course of his 20-year PBA career, Guidaben amassed accolades that include five Mythical Team selections, three All-Star appearances, recognition as one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 2000, and induction into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2007.
But even after basketball, Guidaben's story of perseverance continued off the court.
In 2010, he was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a serious neuromuscular illness that forced him into the ICU for eight days. Through steroid treatment, he survived the life-threatening condition. Just two years later, in 2012, he suffered two strokes within one week and was diagnosed with meningitis, once again requiring intensive care.
Despite these terrifying health scares, Guidaben fought his way back — showing the same quiet resilience that defined his playing days.
Alberto Guidaben didn’t just overcome opponents on the hardwood — he overcame life’s biggest challenges with the same calm strength and steady determination.
He didn’t need the spotlight to be great. He simply was.
The New York Knicks continued their impressive postseason run with another big win over the Boston Celtics, 121-113, at Madison Square Garden to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series on Tuesday, May 13 (Philippine time).
With the victory, the Knicks are now just one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades.
Jalen Brunson once again played the role of floor general and go-to scorer, putting up an all-around masterclass with 39 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. The Knicks star also knocked down four of his eight attempts from three-point range, fueling the team’s comeback effort after an early deficit.
Brunson didn’t have to do it alone. New York showed its depth, with three other players stepping up to provide key scoring support. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 23 markers, while OG Anunoby added 20. Towns also pulled down 11 boards, handed out a dime, and registered a block to cap off a strong two-way performance.