Stephen Curry still knows how to take over a game. The Golden State guard poured in a season-best 44 points in Minneapolis on Wednesday, and the Warriors needed nearly all of them to hang on 119-114 against a Timberwolves team playing its first game without Anthony Edwards.
Curry’s shooting from the field was streaky, 11 of 27 with six threes, but from the stripe he was flawless, sinking all 16 attempts. On top of the scoring he grabbed eight boards and handed out six assists. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg gave him strong support with 26 points, and reserve Brandon Williams added 11.
For long stretches it looked comfortable. Golden State built a lead of 24 points in the second half and still led by a dozen entering the fourth quarter. Minnesota then clawed back, outscoring the visitors 66-55 after the break. Jaden McDaniels had two looks from long range in the last minute that might have cut the gap to a single possession, and Bones Hyland banked one in to get within three, but Curry closed it out with a pair of free throws.
There was a familiar face leading the home side. Jonathan Kuminga, picked seventh overall by the Warriors in 2021 and now in Minnesota after a spell in Atlanta, scored 20 against his old club. McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. had 19 apiece. LaMelo Ball endured another rough night, managing eight points on 3-of-11 shooting.
The bigger story for Minnesota is the absence of Edwards, who was averaging 33.3 points before a keyhole operation on his right knee and will be out for an extended period. The two clubs are heading in opposite directions: Minnesota, unbeaten through three games, has now dropped back-to-back contests, whereas Golden State has bounced back from three opening defeats with consecutive victories. Golden State hosts the Lakers on Friday; Minnesota welcomes the Clippers the same night.
