🚨 TIMBERWOLVES HAND WARRIORS A DECISIVE LOSS, 108-83, TO SPLIT SERIES AFTER A DOMINANT SECOND HALF 👇
In a dominant performance on Monday night in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Timberwolves bounced back from a tough loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, securing a 108-83 win to split their two-game mini-series. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 18 points, as they pulled away in the second half to snap a season-high five-game losing streak.
Bones Hyland, providing a spark off the bench, added 17 points for Minnesota, while Rudy Gobert posted a solid double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo also contributed significantly, scoring 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc, alongside eight assists.
For the Golden State Warriors, Quinten Post led the way with 13 points, while Brandin Podziemski chipped in with 12 points. Gui Santos added 11 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort. Despite strong individual performances, the Warriors struggled with their shooting, finishing with a 34.7% field goal percentage and just 23.1% from three-point range.
Timberwolves’ Strong Second Quarter and Commanding Lead
The Timberwolves were in control throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter, where they outscored the Warriors 32-18 to take a 53-38 lead into halftime. Minnesota capped off a strong finish to the first half, with Rudy Gobert sinking a free throw and Julius Randle scoring six points, including a layup, dunk, and jump shot, to give the Timberwolves a comfortable cushion.
In the second half, the Timberwolves continued to build on their advantage. Jaden Ivey McDaniels ignited a 7-0 run, capping it with a driving layup and a three-pointer to put Minnesota ahead 69-50 with 3:47 left in the third quarter.
DiVincenzo added a crucial three-pointer with 5:26 remaining in the game, extending the Timberwolves’ lead to 100-68, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Warriors.
Missing Key Players: Warriors Struggling Without Their Stars
Both teams were playing without key contributors, but the Golden State Warriors were particularly short-handed. The Warriors were without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green on the second night of a back-to-back series. Curry, who has been dealing with lingering knee soreness, was rested, while Green missed the game due to back soreness.
In addition to Curry and Green’s absence, the Warriors were also without veterans Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, who took a rest day after playing in the first game of the series. Furthermore, the Warriors continue to miss Jimmy Butler III and Jonathan Kuminga due to knee injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed optimism that Curry and Green would be available for Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.
Timberwolves Played Without Anthony Edwards
The Timberwolves were also without one of their key players, Anthony Edwards, who was sidelined for the game due to what the team called “right foot injury maintenance.” Edwards, the team’s top scorer, participated in pregame warmups and is expected to return for Wednesday’s road game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Timberwolves Show Resilience in the Win
While both teams dealt with absences, it was clear that Minnesota took advantage of the opportunity, finding their rhythm and securing the victory. The Timberwolves shot 46.2% from the field and 40% from three, while the Warriors struggled with their shooting throughout the game.
This win will surely boost the confidence of the Timberwolves, as they ended their losing streak with an impressive team performance. Meanwhile, the Warriors will have to regroup, especially as they look forward to getting Curry and Green back in the lineup as they head into the next part of their schedule.
