Short-handed Warriors sputter offensively in blowout loss to Timberwolves
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MINNEAPOLIS - The Golden State Warriors weren't a match Monday for the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Not without the bulk of their rotation.
Without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green on the second night of an impromptu back-to-back, and with Jonathan Kuminga, De'Anthony Melton and Al Horford also out the Warriors couldn't open up their offense in a 108-83 loss. Golden State shot a woeful 34.7% (and went 9-for-39 from 3-point range) without its offensive engines following Sunday's 111-85 win over Minnesota. They made 19 turnovers, which the Wolves scored 23 points off of.
Quinten Post scored a team-high 13 points for the Warriors. Gui Santos had his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Timberwolves were down star Anthony Edwards - scratched pregame like Curry and Green - and were led by defense from big man Rudy Gobert, who patrolled the paint and altered shots en route to 15 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks. Julius Randle added 18 points and seven rebounds.
The Warriors limped to a 53-38 halftime deficit with 37.8% shooting, plus 11 turnovers that Minnesota turned into 16 points. Brandin Podziemski led an 11-0 run that gave them a six-point first-quarter lead, operating on the ball and fighting for rebounds against a bigger frontline.
Even short-handed, Golden State (26-22) tried to hang tough. They forced 11 first-half turnovers, defending Minnesota (28-19) with effort again. But the Timberwolves intensified their second-quarter defense around Gobert. Dribble drives were ineffective and crisp rotations led to closeouts that disrupted 3-point shots for the Warriors. Minnesota closed the first half with a 21-6 run as Randle found his offensive rhythm, scoring through a series of attacks.
A cheerful crowd – with "ICE OUT NOW" signs scattered about the arena – was more energetic than the crowd at Sunday's matchup, and watched the Warriors struggle in the second half.
Golden State's four-game road trip ends Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.
This article originally published at Short-handed Warriors sputter offensively in blowout loss to Timberwolves.
