Timberwolves win turnover-filled affair over Warriors

Minnesota has won four straight games, all on the strength of its improving defense.

By Jace Frederick, Pioneer Press – December 7, 2024

The Timberwolves’ run of dominance continued Friday night in San Francisco.

For the third straight outing, Minnesota held its opponent to 90 points or fewer, unheard of in today’s NBA.

It wasn’t necessarily a pretty affair — the two teams combined for 43 turnovers,  with Minnesota committing 21 of them — but Picasso’s aren’t necessary for victories. And the Wolves have now won four straight, all on the strength of their defense.

Anthony Edwards led the way with 30 points on a night where he seemed particularly charged emotionally. The guard’s shot-making buried Golden State in the fourth, and every hit seemed to be followed by a scream aimed toward the Warriors’ fan base.

All five starters finished in double figures, as Rudy Gobert tallied 17 points and 11 rebounds. Naz Reid added nine points and 10 boards off the bench.

On the other end, Minnesota held Golden State to 39 percent shooting, including 28 percent from distance. Steph Curry led the Warriors with 23 points, but shot just 6 for 17 from the field.

Minnesota led by six after three frames, but outscored Golden State 29-18 in the final frame.

The Warriors have now lost six of their past seven games. The same two teams will again square off in California on Sunday.