The Golden State Warriors won a somewhat unusual first-round series on Sunday. Although the Houston Rockets boasted significant strengths such as their size and defensive presence, their lack of a solid half-court offense became a notable weakness in the playoff match-up. After seven games, the Warriors managed to capitalize on this gap, earning a place in the next round.

Next, they are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves who triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers in a similarly unconventional first-round series. Like the Rockets, the Lakers` strengths stemmed from their shot-creating abilities, yet they faced their own shortcomings such as a lack of size and depth, leading to their defeat.

These series outcomes aren’t insignificant; with the Rockets ranked second in the Western Conference and the Lakers favored by many, neither the Warriors nor Timberwolves has definitively proven their playoff mettle. The playoff atmosphere often tests a team’s ability to exploit weak points in others while masking their own, and this year’s early matchups exposed significant vulnerabilities in both opponents.

This sets up a compelling second-round face-off, where both teams will reveal how they measure up against each other before likely facing the almost unbeatable Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals. Both franchises began the season slowly, with the Warriors struggling due to their inaction during offseason trades, while the Timberwolves wrestled with fit issues arising from a past trade.

However, Jimmy Butler helped turn things around for the Warriors, leading them to finish the season strong. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves also found their footing with Julius Randle returning and integrating well into their strategy.

As they face off, the Warriors and Timberwolves will put their playoff strategies to the test against one another, potentially revealing which team is better equipped to advance in the playoffs.