Stephen Curry made all 16 of his free throws and scored 44 as Golden State beat Minnesota 119-114 at Target Center on Wednesday. The Wolves trailed by as many as 24, won the third and fourth quarters, and ran out of time.
A Hole Dug Early
Golden State led 30-23 after one quarter and 64-48 at the half, helped by two 8-0 runs. Minnesota put up 33 points in each of the last two quarters. Down 117-112 with six seconds left, Jaden McDaniels missed a 25-foot three, and Bones Hyland's bank shot at the horn only made it a three-point game before Curry closed it at the line. McDaniels led the fourth with 10 points but went 1-for-8 from deep. After two straight losses the Wolves are 3-2 and eighth.
Where Points Come From
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic wrote during the game that Shannon attacking the rim and drawing fouls was Minnesota's only reliable offense. Shannon went 8-of-10 at the line and finished plus-7, matched only by Trey Lyles. Jonathan Kuminga scored 20 on 7-of-15 without a turnover, and Ayo Dosunmu had four steals. LaMelo Ball had eight assists but also six turnovers, shooting 3-of-11. Rudy Gobert was minus-11 in 20 minutes.
Clippers, Then Spurs
Anthony Edwards is out with a right knee injury and has an estimated return of December 21. Donte DiVincenzo's Achilles keeps him out until April. The Clippers visit Target Center on Friday, October 30, for an NBA Cup group game, and Minnesota plays at San Antonio the next night. The number that matters is 64-48. Without Edwards, the Wolves cannot spot anyone 16 points by halftime again. The open question is whether Chris Finch can find a second ball handler who protects the ball, or whether Ball's six turnovers become a pattern.
When will Anthony Edwards return for the Timberwolves?
Edwards is out with a right knee injury and has an estimated return of December 21. ESPN reported that the team says he will be "good as new" after surgery.
Who do the Timberwolves play next?
Minnesota hosts the Clippers on Friday, October 30, in an NBA Cup group game, then plays at San Antonio on October 31.
