Anthony Edwards delivered a stellar performance with 30 points and nine assists, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a commanding 107-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
The win marks the Timberwolves’ fifth straight triumph in the series and their fourth consecutive victory at Chase Center, cementing their recent dominance over the Warriors.
Warriors Struggle Despite Curry’s Return
Stephen Curry returned to the lineup for Golden State after sitting out the previous game to rest his sore knees. While he contributed 23 points, including a key 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter that trimmed Minnesota’s lead to 80-77, the Warriors’ ongoing issues with turnovers and defensive lapses proved costly.
Golden State’s offense sputtered in the second quarter, managing just four points in the first nine minutes. The Warriors shot an anemic 5-of-19 during the period, allowing Minnesota to build a 56-46 halftime lead.
Rudy Gobert’s Inside Presence
Rudy Gobert was instrumental for the Timberwolves, posting a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. His dominance in the paint helped Minnesota control the boards, with the T-Wolves grabbing a 27-19 rebounding advantage in the first half. Gobert’s impact on both ends of the court helped Minnesota stifle Golden State’s offensive rhythm.
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Draymond Green and Warriors’ Depth
Draymond Green returned for the Warriors after dealing with left calf tightness, contributing 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. However, his efforts weren’t enough to spark a comeback. Green also picked up his seventh technical foul of the season, showcasing the frustration building for the Warriors during their recent struggles.
Golden State’s bench was shorthanded late in the game, with Moses Moody dealing with left knee soreness and Andrew Wiggins sidelined due to a lingering right ankle issue.
Key Moments Define the Game
One pivotal moment came late in the third quarter when Gary Payton II’s layup off a pass from Curry, which would have cut Minnesota’s lead to seven, was overturned after a successful Timberwolves challenge, resulting in an offensive foul. The call shifted momentum firmly back to Minnesota, which closed the quarter with a double-digit advantage.
Edwards took over in the fourth, orchestrating Minnesota’s offense with precision and hitting key shots to put the game out of reach.
Timberwolves’ Dominance Continues
The Timberwolves have emerged as a thorn in Golden State’s side, with this win extending their streak of success against the Warriors. Minnesota’s defense, combined with timely scoring from Edwards and Gobert’s dominance inside, made the difference once again.
Curry’s Off Night
Curry scored his first points late in the opening quarter with a three-point play but struggled to find his usual rhythm from deep. He missed his first four 3-point attempts and finished the game 3-for-9 from beyond the arc. His shooting woes were emblematic of the Warriors’ broader offensive struggles.
What’s Next
Both teams will stay in the Bay Area for a quick rematch on Sunday at Chase Center. The Timberwolves will aim to sweep the two-game set, while the Warriors look for answers to end their losing streak and regain their footing in the competitive Western Conference.
This victory not only keeps Minnesota’s momentum alive but also sends a clear message to the rest of the league: the Timberwolves are a force to be reckoned with. For Golden State, the search for consistency and answers continues.
