Minnesota Timberwolves veteran point guard Mike Conley got fired up early in Thursday’s 117-93 Game 2 Western Conference semifinal home victory over the Golden State Warriors. The 18-year veteran’s uncharacteristic trash talk promptly went viral on social media.
Minnesota entered Thursday trailing Golden State 1-0 in the best-of-seven series after its abysmal showing during Tuesday’s 99-88 Game 1 home defeat, making Game 2 critical. The sixth-seeded squad (49-33) came out swinging against the undermanned seventh-seeded Warriors (48-34), who were without superstar point guard Stephen Curry (hamstring).
The Timberwolves started the game on a 13-0 run, securing a 29-15 advantage after one quarter. Their ratcheted-up intensity then continued to start the second quarter.
Early in the frame, Conley played lockdown defense on Golden State shooting guard Buddy Hield on the perimeter. Hield attempted to create off the dribble and drive past Conley. However, the one-time All-Star held his ground and swiped the ball away from the sharpshooter, causing a 24-second shot clock violation.
Mike Conley Delivers Animated Reaction After Forcing Turnover in Game 2 Against Warriors
After his disruptive defensive stand, Conley reacted emphatically, appearing to shout, ‘I’m locking that sh*t up!” The viral moment seemingly entertained Minnesota’s bench, including superstar shooting guard Anthony Edwards, who was all smiles on the sideline.
“I’m locking that sh*t up”
Mike Conley talking his talk pic.twitter.com/QDKtFjUUs1
— Underdog (@Underdog) May 9, 2025
Since being traded to the Timberwolves from the Utah Jazz at the 2023 NBA trade deadline, Conley has served as a savvy veteran playmaker and leader. However, the 37-year-old showed that he can still hold his own defensively when called upon.
Conley finished with six points, two rebounds, two assists and two 3-pointers, shooting 2-for-5 (40%) across 17 minutes. He was also seen giving his squad encouragement during TNT’s mic’d-up segment.
Timberwolves Lead Wire to Wire in Dominant Game 2 Win
Minnesota’s offensive bounce-back continued throughout most of the night, as it never trailed in Game 2. Their lead ballooned as high as 25 points in the final seconds while they cruised to a blowout victory to even up the series 1-1.
Timberwolves star forward Julius Randle led the way with a game-high 24 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists while shooting 10-for-17 (58.8%). Meanwhile, Edwards and wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 20 points apiece.
On the flip side, Golden State lacked a definitive No. 1 scoring option without Curry, who is set to be re-evaluated in one week. Fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga led the way, tallying 18 points on 8-for-11 shooting (72.7%) off the bench. Star forward Jimmy Butler added 17 points, shooting 6-for-13 (46.2%).
Minnesota will aim to continue capitalizing on Curry’s absence during Saturday’s Game 3 road clash and assume control of the series.