The Golden State Warriors came into Minneapolis on the second leg of a back-to-back, looking to build momentum after a win in game one of the series. But with several key players out-including Steph Curry, Draymond Green, De’Anthony Melton, and Al Horford-the Warriors simply didn’t have the firepower to keep up. The Minnesota Timberwolves took full advantage, dominating from the second quarter on in a 108-83 win that never felt in doubt once they grabbed the lead.
Golden State actually came out with some fight early. They held the edge for most of the first quarter, showing flashes of cohesion despite the patchwork lineup.
But once Minnesota edged ahead 21-20 just before the buzzer, the tide turned-and fast. The Timberwolves poured in 32 points in the second quarter while holding the Warriors to just 18, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime.
Without Curry orchestrating the offense, the Warriors struggled to generate rhythm or consistent scoring. Minnesota, on the other hand, got a little bit of everything from just about everyone.
Six different Timberwolves scored at least 14 points, including Julius Randle, Naz Reid, Bones Hyland, Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, and Jaden McDaniels. That kind of balance is hard to beat, especially when the opposing team is down several key contributors.
The Timberwolves’ lead ballooned to as many as 32 points in the second half, and they never let up. It was a clinic in team basketball-unselfish, aggressive, and efficient on both ends of the floor. Minnesota’s defense swarmed the Warriors’ makeshift lineup, forcing tough shots and keeping Golden State out of the paint for most of the night.
For the Warriors, Quinten Post led the way with 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting, including three makes from beyond the arc. But no other Warrior cracked the 13-point mark.
Gui Santos, making his fourth start of the season, was one of the few bright spots. He posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, showing some grit and hustle in a game that didn’t offer much else to celebrate.
This loss drops Golden State to 1-3 since Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury-a stretch that’s exposed just how thin the margins are for this team right now. At 26-22, they’re clinging to the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, but the pressure is mounting. With the playoff race tightening and key players still sidelined, the Warriors need to find answers-and fast.
They’ll get one more shot to salvage a .500 record on this four-game road trip when they face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. PT.