Core Players of the Warriors Share Complicated Past with Timberwolves
The ongoing rivalry between Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert, along with key connections of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, adds intensity to the Warriors' playoff series against the Timberwolves.
The Golden State Warriors head into their second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with plenty of motivation.
Each of the Warriors’ key players—Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green—has a unique history with the Wolves that could fuel their performance.
The Draymond Green-Rudy Gobert Rivalry
If this series ignites with tension, it will likely stem from the interactions between Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert. Green, notorious for his on-court antics, received a five-game suspension in 2023 for an altercation with Gobert.
Here are some notable moments of their rivalry:
- 2019: Green taunted Gobert over social media after Gobert’s reaction to not becoming an All-Star.
- 2022: The two exchanged barbs on Twitter after separate incidents where each punched a teammate.
- 2023: Green put Gobert in a headlock during a skirmish involving teammate Klay Thompson.
- 2024: Green criticized Gobert’s defensive abilities while working as a commentator.
“He’s been waiting to do this forever” — Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob)
Their history suggests a charged atmosphere in this series, with both players being highly competitive.
Jimmy Butler’s Minnesota Departure
The playoff dynamic is also intensified by the presence of Jimmy Butler, who was traded by the Timberwolves in 2018 after a tumultuous season. Butler helped Minnesota end a 13-year playoff drought but had marked frustrations that led to his request for a trade.
The stakes are personal for Butler as he faces the team that traded him, mirroring past matchups against former teams, notably the 76ers.
Minnesota’s Draft Decisions
Additionally, the Timberwolves infamously passed on Stephen Curry twice in the 2009 Draft, opting for Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn instead. Since then, Curry has won four championships and the Timberwolves have struggled since that decision.
Performance Comparisons (since 2009 Draft)
| Stephen Curry | Timberwolves | |
|---|---|---|
| Titles | 4 | 0 |
| Playoff Series Won | 24 | 3 |
| NBA MVPs | 2 | 0 |
| Scoring Titles | 2 | 0 |
| All-NBA Selections | 10 | 6 |
| 50-point Games | 15 | 9 |
| Games with 10+ 3PM | 27 | 4 |
The greatest shooter in NBA history has surpassed the combined career points of the players selected ahead of him. This matchup is branded with anticipation, as both teams prepare for a gripping series.
“Spoke it into existence.” — Minnesota Timberwolves
As both sides prepare for the playoff intensity, expect the historical ties and memorable rivalries to play a crucial role.
