The Golden State Warriors narrowly defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-115 on Wednesday night. However, given how much they had struggled for over two months, was the victory grounds for celebration?
A win is a win. Having said that, Golden State advanced to 20-20 and pulled within one game of the 21-19 Minnesota Timberwolves with the victory, but there were flaws in their overall play that should concern the struggling club. While Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry were the Warriors’ heroes on the night, combining for 55 points between the lines, head coach Steve Kerr may have a lot to think about before the next game.
Warriors nearly crumbled in the clutch
The Golden State Warriors were off to a commanding start against the Minnesota Timberwolves, jumping out to a 24-point lead by the end of the first quarter. They limited the Wolves to just 12 points in that opening stretch, showcasing their defensive tenacity and offensive firepower. Heading into the fourth quarter, Golden State held an 87-78 advantage.
Chris Finch’s Defensive Strategy
In the second half, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch adjusted by deploying a quasi-box-and-one defense on Stephen Curry, placing Nickeil Alexander-Walker on Curry full-time. This defensive look, which involved face-guarding Curry even 94 feet away from the basket, disrupted the Warriors’ offensive flow, especially in the half-court. Curry, typically able to create opportunities for himself and his teammates, found himself frustrated as he was trapped and often had limited options for passing, leading to tension among the Warriors.
Impact of Draymond Green’s Absence
The Warriors missed Draymond Green significantly during this stretch. Green’s defensive leadership, versatility, and playmaking were sorely lacking. Without him, the Timberwolves’ frontcourt players, particularly Naz Reid and Julius Randle, capitalized on Golden State’s struggles. Reid, in particular, found his groove in the fourth quarter, scoring seven points of his 15 total, while Randle also added seven crucial points. This frontcourt dominance sparked a Minnesota rally, narrowing the gap and making it a tight contest in the closing moments.
Need for Frontcourt Depth
As the game highlighted, Golden State’s frontcourt depth remains a vulnerability. Green’s absence exposed the Warriors’ struggles in defending physical big men and maintaining defensive cohesion. With Kevon Looney and Jonathan Kuminga contributing, the Warriors still lack the defensive versatility and offensive punch that Green brings. The team will need to explore ways to bolster their frontcourt to compete against larger, more physical teams, especially in high-pressure moments like the one they faced against Minnesota.
While the Warriors’ offense remains potent, their defensive adjustments and depth in the frontcourt will be crucial as they move forward.
The Golden State Warriors managed to secure a narrow 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, but it wasn’t without its struggles. Despite a strong first half, the Warriors allowed Minnesota to make a significant comeback, thanks to a combination of defensive adjustments and the absence of Draymond Green. That said, there were several bright spots in the win that suggest positive momentum for the team.
Key Contributions from Ancillary Stars
Buddy Hield, who had struggled with consistency recently, stepped up with 18 points, shooting 6-11 from the field and 3-6 from beyond the arc. This scoring contribution was vital in helping offset the defensive and offensive void left by Green’s absence.
Moses Moody also played a key role, providing 11 points on 4-6 shooting during 25 minutes off the bench. His energy and scoring were much needed, especially as the team looked for secondary scoring options beyond Curry and Wiggins.
Additionally, Dennis Schröder contributed 12 points on 5-11 shooting, showing his ability to be a reliable scorer when needed. These performances from Hield, Moody, and Schröder highlight the Warriors’ depth outside of their stars like Curry, Wiggins, and a healthy Jonathan Kuminga. Moving forward, the Warriors will need these players to continue stepping up consistently.
Concerns & Areas for Improvement
While the win is encouraging, the Warriors should not be fully satisfied with the narrow margin of victory. They struggled with size in the frontcourt and had difficulty executing in crunch time. The Timberwolves’ rally exposed some of these issues, and the absence of Green was felt deeply, especially on defense and in the leadership department.
The Warriors’ defense, while solid at times, was inconsistent down the stretch. They will need to tighten up on that end, particularly in late-game situations when opponents like the Timberwolves’ big men, Reid and Randle, begin to assert themselves.
Looking Ahead
The win over the Timberwolves, though close, does provide some positive takeaways. The Warriors will look to build momentum as they approach the All-Star break next month, but they still have work to do to rise in the Western Conference standings. A game against the Washington Wizards, who have a 6-32 record, presents a chance to get back on track with a more comfortable win.
The Warriors will continue to need contributions from players like Hield, Moody, and Schröder, alongside the eventual return of Green, to round out their roster for the remainder of the season.
