Anthony Edwards scored 23 points and made three out of four free throws in the last 12 seconds for the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 114-110 win against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.
Naz Reid had 20 points and tied his season-high with 12 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Wolves, who equaled their season record with 21 3-pointers out of 40 attempts.
Coach Chris Finch praised the team’s simple basketball strategies, emphasizing making passes to open teammates when faced with crowded paint situations. Steph Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, but his attempt to tie the game with a 3-pointer missed with 1:27 remaining.
After Curry’s miss, Anthony Edwards secured the rebound, leading to a layup that brought the Warriors within one point. However, Edwards was fouled and made both free throws, sealing the victory.
Mike Conley chipped in with 14 points and seven assists for the Wolves, who are currently one game behind the Denver Nuggets and half a game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference standings.
The Warriors, who led by 12 points in the first half, faced a formidable shooting display from the Wolves, who capitalized on their outside shooting abilities.
During Curry’s rest period in the late third quarter and early fourth, the Wolves’ bench players stepped up, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker hitting three 3-pointers during a pivotal stretch.
This game marked the Warriors’ only visit to Minnesota this season, following a heated matchup earlier in the season which saw the Wolves secure consecutive victories against Golden State.
Coach Steve Kerr commended his team’s improved defensive efforts and energy levels compared to their previous loss against the Indiana Pacers.
Despite a slow start with turnovers, the Wolves were buoyed by Naz Reid’s strong performance, particularly from beyond the arc, where he made his first five attempts. Reid expressed confidence in the team’s depth and unity, highlighting their collective effort and positive mindset.
