To their credit, the Wolves met the challenge. They scored the game’s first 13 points, led 20-5 deep in the opening quarter, and, by that time, had held Golden State to 2-for-12 shooting (1-for-8 on 3s) and even 0-for-2 from the foul line. Not having Curry on the court for a defense is like not having vegetables on your plate when you’re 12.

The result was Minnesota racing out to a 13-0 lead to open the game and never looking back, cruising to a 117-93 win, tying the series at 1-1. Game 3 is in the Bay Area on Saturday. The Warriors are expected to be without Stephen Curry for that game as he recovers from a strained hamstring (he will be re-evaluated after Game 4).

Minnesota evened its Western Conference semifinals series with Golden State, as Anthony Edwards played through first-half ankle injury