Analysis: Who is the real hero of the Timberwolves defeating the Warriors in Game 2

While he may not be on the statistics table often, the unsung hero played a huge role in the Timberwolves’ second game victory.

While Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Nikil Alexander Walker all topped the list, it was the 37-year-old who firmly marked, guided the offense and suppressed the Warriors' shooter that set the tone for the Minnesota Timberwolves to win a 117-93 win in Game 2.

Mike Conley controls the game with unparalleled energy, transforming a seemingly fragile team in the first game into a united whole that fights tenaciously and unites against the Warriors. Golden State Warriors were forced to make adjustments due to Stephen Curry's left hamstring strain, and Buddy Hilder became the key figure and became the focus of the Timberwolves' defense.

"Mike brought all the energy tonight, and we just drew it from it," Edwards said after the game, unable to hide his admiration for the veteran defender. "Salute to Mike."

Mike Conley's leadership shines in the Timberwolves

statistics rarely fully demonstrate Conley's strength. While young teammates like Edwards, Randle and Alexander Walker all played impressive numbers and took the headlines, the veteran defender’s influence was everywhere in this crucial Minnesota victory that statistics couldn’t reflect.

Conley's mission was received during a training session on the team's rest day, when his mission was to cause trouble for Edwards. When asked about Edwards’ praise for his vitality, Conley simply replied: “I just want to prove to everyone that I am willing to give everything for the team.”

His toughness on the defensive end triggered a domino effect that affected the entire lineup.

"I know our players are benefiting from the vitality I bring," Conley added. "Hope we can continue to maintain this momentum."

Randall locked in the victory with his outstanding performance, and he couldn't help but joke about the birth certificate of the veteran teammate.

"It's great to be able to defend and play as hard as he is at 50," Randall said with a smile, before his tone became serious. “I’ve been talking about him as the leader of the team and how he keeps us balanced all year.”

On the playoff basketball court, emotional balance is as important as any cross step or bottom corner three-pointer. As the players' frustration accumulates during the game, Kang uses a simple and clear sentence to pull Randall aside: "When we get back to the game, work hard." The defensive diversity of the Minnesota Timberwolves has become their weapon, and they keep changing tactics all night, disrupting the pace of the Golden State Warriors.

"I'm short, we have Jaden Curry, Nickel, Dont who are 6-foot-10-inch-two-everyone is slightly different and can bring different offensive rhythms," said Conley, who cited the puzzles that make up the Minnesota Timberwolves' defensive masterpiece.

Alexander Walker's 20 points contributed a key score, but Timberwolves veterans -- including 37-year-old Joe Ingles -- provided the young core players with the stability they needed. Their playoff experience kept the team calm and helped them through the ups and downs of the playoffs.

"Mike probably won't prove himself with the data all the time," Randall said, "but as a veteran, how he's going to pull me aside, how Joe pulls me aside, keep me calm when I'm frustrated in the third quarter...these guys are crucial to us." The influence of the veterans can't be ignored. The message Conley conveys may affect the Timberwolves' path to winning the championship.

"If we want to have a chance, we have to maintain a high level of defense in four quarters and stay steady," Conley said. "It can't be a game after game." As the series moves to San Francisco, the Timberwolves are adjusting their tactics to deal with the Warriors with numerous championship flags - just missing Curry. And at the heart of all this is Mike Conley, whose leadership and experience may be key to this series of games, but the results are still unclear.