Timberwolves Snap the Slide with Statement Win Over Short-Handed Warriors
The Minnesota Timberwolves needed a spark. After a string of flat performances and a Sunday night loss that felt more like a wake than a basketball game, Monday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors wasn’t just another regular season contest-it was a gut check. And finally, they responded.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: both teams were limping into this one, literally and figuratively. The Warriors were missing a laundry list of rotation players, including defensive anchor Draymond Green.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were without Anthony Edwards, still managing a nagging foot infection. That absence was felt-Edwards is more than just a scorer; he’s the emotional engine of this team.
Without him, Minnesota had been meandering, lacking urgency, identity, and frankly, effort.
But Monday night at Target Center, something clicked.
Rudy Gobert Sets the Tone
The Wolves leaned into what’s worked for them all season: defense. And that starts with Rudy Gobert.
The veteran center had been quiet in recent games, but this one felt different. Gobert looked engaged from the jump, finishing with 15 points and 17 rebounds.
It wasn’t just the numbers-it was the force behind them. He controlled the glass, altered shots, and brought a physicality that had been missing during Minnesota’s recent slide.
With Golden State trotting out Quinten Post for extended minutes at center, the opportunity was there for Gobert to dominate the paint-and he did just that. The Warriors, without Draymond, had little resistance inside, and the Wolves finally stopped settling for jumpers and attacked the interior.
A Slow Start, Then a Surge
The first few minutes looked like more of the same. The Wolves opened the game jacking up threes-eight of their first 12 shots came from beyond the arc.
Julius Randle, who hit his first triple, went cold quickly, missing his next four. It felt like another night where Minnesota was going to let a winnable game slip through their fingers.
But that changed fast.
Once the Wolves started asserting themselves defensively and attacking the rim, the momentum swung. They built a 28-point lead by the start of the fourth quarter and never looked back. The game was over well before the final horn.
Bones Hyland Provides a Needed Jolt
With the starters setting the tone, the bench stepped in and did its part-something that hasn’t always been a given this season. Enter Bones Hyland.
The guard brought energy and tempo, helping to push the pace and keep the pressure on a depleted Warriors squad. In a game that felt like a must-win, Hyland’s presence was a reminder that this team still has depth capable of making an impact.
What This Win Means
Let’s be clear: this was a game the Timberwolves had to win. Against a Warriors team missing key pieces, anything less than a convincing performance would’ve raised serious questions.
But Minnesota didn’t just win-they looked like themselves again. Gobert anchoring the defense.
The offense finding balance. The bench stepping up.
That’s the formula.
And while it’s just one game, it could be the reset button this team needed.
What’s Next
The Wolves now head to Dallas to face a Mavericks team that’s been punching above its weight. Dallas has won four of its last five, including two against a Utah Jazz squad that gave Minnesota fits just a week ago. It’s a tough test, especially on the road.
But there’s a good chance Anthony Edwards will be back in the lineup on Wednesday. And if Gobert can keep up this level of play-and the supporting cast continues to show signs of life-this team might be ready to turn the corner.
For now, though, the Wolves can exhale. Monday night wasn’t just a win. It was a reminder of who they are when they play to their identity.