The Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up for a rematch with the Golden State Warriors tonight at Target Center, and there’s no shortage of intrigue heading into this one. After a lopsided 111-85 loss to the Warriors in their last meeting, the Timberwolves are hungry to flip the script - and they’ll have a full lineup ready to go.
Anthony Edwards, who poured in 32 points in that previous matchup, shouldered the blame for the team’s fifth straight loss, pointing to early foul trouble that disrupted his rhythm. “I just got to play better in a game like tonight - offensively, defensively, both ends of the floor,” Edwards said postgame.
“I don’t really blame anybody but myself here at this point. I can’t get two fouls in the first quarter.
It definitely messes everything up.”
That kind of accountability speaks volumes about where Edwards is mentally. He’s not just the Timberwolves’ leading scorer - he’s emerging as their emotional compass. And with the Wolves still very much in the thick of the Western Conference race, they’ll need that fire from their young star to carry them through tough stretches like this.
The Warriors, meanwhile, come into this one with confidence after a dominant showing. Stephen Curry led the charge with 26 points, and Golden State’s ball movement and defensive intensity were on full display. They looked like a team clicking into gear, even as they continue to juggle injuries.
One of the key absences tonight will be Jonathan Kuminga, who’s sidelined with a bone bruise in his left knee after a hyperextension. The Warriors haven’t set a timetable for his return, but they’ve confirmed he’ll be re-evaluated in the coming days. With Jimmy Butler already out for the season, Kuminga’s injury adds another layer of concern for Golden State’s depth and defensive versatility.
Still, the Warriors have options. Their roster remains deep with savvy veterans and emerging role players who can step in and contribute. That’s been a hallmark of their success over the years - the ability to adapt and elevate when injuries strike.
But this is a big moment for Minnesota. They’ve dropped five straight, and while the standings haven’t punished them too harshly just yet, momentum is a fragile thing in the NBA. Tonight’s rematch offers more than just a shot at redemption - it’s a chance to reestablish their identity against a perennial contender.
Expect the Timberwolves to come out with intensity. With Edwards leading the charge and the full lineup intact, they’ll look to push the pace, defend with urgency, and execute more cleanly on both ends. The last meeting exposed some cracks - Golden State’s defense flustered them early, and the Wolves never quite found their footing.
This time, the stakes feel a little higher. It’s not just about evening the season series - it’s about proving they can respond to adversity and compete with the league’s elite. And for a team still finding its way in the playoff picture, those kinds of statements matter.
Tipoff can’t come soon enough.