Stephen Curry delivered another masterclass Sunday night, leading the Golden State Warriors to a hard-fought 114-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The two teams clashed for the second time in three days, with Curry dazzling the home crowd by scoring 30 points, dishing out eight assists, and sinking a 39-foot buzzer-beater to close the third quarter.
Curry’s late-game brilliance was the defining factor. With just under three minutes left, he orchestrated a go-ahead dunk by Jonathan Kuminga, followed by a clutch assist to Buddy Hield for a three-pointer with 58 seconds remaining to seal the win. The Warriors showcased their resilience, handing Minnesota its first loss in five games and snapping the Timberwolves’ five-game win streak in the series.
Hield was instrumental alongside Curry, tallying 27 points and draining seven three-pointers. His performance put him one shy of joining the exclusive club of NBA players with 2,000 career three-pointers, a milestone he could reach in his next outing. Hield’s timely shooting, including three triples in a critical third-quarter stretch, kept Golden State in control during pivotal moments.
Kuminga continued his strong play, adding 20 points and seven rebounds. His athleticism and energy were crucial, particularly in the second half as the Warriors battled back from a Minnesota surge. Meanwhile, Gary Payton II contributed on the defensive end, providing key stops and a memorable block late in the first half.
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For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards led the charge with 27 points, showcasing his usual blend of athleticism and shot-making. However, the Timberwolves struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, particularly in the fourth quarter, where Golden State’s defensive intensity took center stage.
The game wasn’t without controversy. Early in the second half, Draymond Green was called for a foul on Rudy Gobert during a drive to the basket. The Warriors challenged the call, and upon review, it was confirmed that Green made contact with Gobert’s eye. The incident highlighted the physicality of the matchup, which saw both teams trading blows throughout.
Despite the loss, Minnesota showed flashes of the form that has made them a Western Conference contender. The Timberwolves were without guard Rob Dillingham, who missed his fifth consecutive game due to a sprained right ankle. His absence, coupled with late-game turnovers, left the team vulnerable against Golden State’s relentless attack.
Curry’s brilliance
Curry’s brilliance wasn’t limited to the fourth quarter. In the second period, he scored 10 consecutive points for the Warriors, including back-to-back three-pointers. His hot shooting provided a spark after Hield opened the frame with a three of his own. Curry’s deep triple just before halftime, moments after Payton’s defensive highlight, underscored his ability to take over games at any moment.
The win was particularly satisfying for Golden State, which played without Andrew Wiggins due to lingering issues with his right ankle. Even shorthanded, the Warriors leaned on their championship pedigree and depth, improving their NBA Cup standing as they head into a crucial stretch.
Minnesota, on the other hand, will look to bounce back Friday when they host the Lakers in a game added to their schedule after falling short of the NBA Cup knockout stage. Golden State now turns its focus to Houston, where they’ll face the Rockets in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, riding a 15-game win streak against the Western rivals.
As the Warriors continue to rely on Curry’s brilliance and the contributions of players like Hield and Kuminga, they’ve positioned themselves as a team capable of navigating challenges and finding ways to win. For Minnesota, the loss serves as a reminder of the importance of execution in high-pressure moments as they aim to stay competitive in the crowded Western Conference.
