![\"Anthony](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/NBA-Playoffs-Golden-State-Warriors-at-Minnesota-Timberwolves-26180178-e1747359318141.jpg\")
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Fresh off a commanding 4-1 series win<\/a> over a Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors, the Minnesota Timberwolves now rest as they await the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder versus Denver Nuggets series. A return to the Western Conference Finals is on the docket for the second straight year, something that has never been done before in the Timberwolves franchise.<\/p>\n Minnesota has surged to a 6-2 record in the NBA Playoffs, after also dropping the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the first round. While this team took some time to find their way, they have come together at the right time.<\/p>\n National talking heads don\u2019t typically give teams from Minnesota their flowers. In a surprising turn of events however, ESPN\u2019s Stephen A. Smith<\/a> is ready to do much more than that.<\/p>\n Minnesota Timberwolves are NBA Title favorites says Stephen A. Smith<\/p>\n Draymond Green used his postgame podium time<\/a> to talk up the Minnesota Timberwolves and suggested \u201cthey have a real chance\u201d at winning it all. Stephen A. Smith, who is well known for his boisterous personality is going even one step further. The First Take host says they should be the favorites.<\/p>\n Stephen A Smith has the Minnesota Timberwolves as NBA Finals Favorites \ud83d\ude33 pic.twitter.com\/6EYRFSFdgy<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) May 16, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n \u201cI believe that the Minnesota Timberwolves should be a favorite to win a championship at this point. I think they should be favored over the Knicks. I think they should be favored over the Indiana Pacers. I think they should be favored over OKC (Oklahoma City), even, and definitely Denver who they beat all four times they played this year. I think when you see the way they play defense, obviously that rivals OKC, who they split their four games with this year. <\/p>\n I\u2019m going to bring up the name Julius Randle, because when I think about how he has played in these playoffs, particularly the last four games of the series against Golden State\u2026We know what Ant-man brings to the table. I think that when you\u2019re Oklahoma City and you\u2019re thinking about a team you have to concern yourself with\u2026Minnesota could stay close enough. It could come down to SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) versus Ant-man. I just think that even though SGA is about to win league MVP, Ant-man is so special. Particularly at this moment in his career. I just find it hard to believe that I can look at anybody and say, at this juncture, that they should be favored over Minnesota.\u201d<\/p>\n Stephen A. Smith \u2013 ESPN<\/a><\/p>\n That is quite the strong vote of confidence from Smith. Maybe even more so because the Minnesota Timberwolves have not even played their best basketball during the playoffs. As a team, they have come out on top and looked like the superior squad, but they have also had roster advantages in each matchup.<\/p>\n Multiple games have seen Anthony Edwards get off to slow starts, and he has three games where he shot 40% or worse<\/a> from the field. His three-point percentage (38.5%) is down from the 39.5%<\/a> he shot during the regular season. Although he had the big 43-point performance against the Lakers, his teammates have really stepped up.<\/p>\n Related: Draymond Green Glazes Timberwolves, Including a Little Love for Rudy Gobert\u2026?<\/a><\/p>\n On the flip side, if the Timberwolves get a more efficient and consistent Edwards, then no opponent stands a chance. Julius Randle has been huge in both series, and has established himself as a serious difference maker in the playoffs.<\/p>\n History made by MN Timberwolves<\/p>\n A return to the Western Conference Finals looked impossible at points early on during this Minnesota Timberwolves season. Ultimately they weathered the storm and the team has gelled in the wake of trading franchise fixture<\/a> Karl-Anthony Towns.<\/p>\n Now they are on the doorstep of an NBA Finals berth for the second straight season, and as previously mentioned, have accomplished that feat for the first time in franchise history.<\/p>\n “There is no satisfaction.” \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f<\/p>\n Ant & Rudy are hungry for more after clinching a spot in the Conference Finals \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/POHn4JBoH3<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA TV (@NBATV) May 15, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n As Anthony Edwards said though, this team is not and can not be satisfied. The goal is still to win eight more games and anything short of that would be a disappointment.<\/p>\n Minnesota will face either Oklahoma City or Denver, and with an additional period of rest, they\u2019ll be looking to give the opponent all they can handle.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Anthony Edwards<\/a> Julius Randle<\/a> Stephen A. Smith<\/a> <\/p>\n More About:Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t