In the wake of their good performances the day before, Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga started the match with flying colors but the Wolves, winners of their last three matches, did not let them go one step (15-15).
Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo show themselves as soon as they enter the field, but Draymond Green (10 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists), replacing this night, imitates them with 8 points coming off the bench. The returning Stephen Curry (23 points, 6/17 on shots) and Rudy Gobert exchange two 2+1s and the two teams remain back to back (31-31).
Minnesota's defense then takes over. Chris Finch's players caused five loose balls from the Warriors and limited them to 1/8 on shots during the first six minutes of the second quarter while Julius Randle (16 points, 9 rebounds) and Naz Reid gave them thirteen points. advance (48-35).
Golden State's problems worsen before halftime. Anthony Edwards drives home the point with two 3-pointers while Draymond Green receives a technical foul in the meantime (54-35). The Warrior redeems himself, however, and his intensity revives his team which ends the half with an 11-2 to limit the damage (56-46).
Sluggish return of Stephen Curry
The Dubs continue as soon as they return from the locker room with Stephen Curry's first 3-pointer followed by three free throws (60-57). Unfortunately for the locals, they chained three passes into the stands and the Wolves rushed into the breach. Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley hit the mark from afar and the gap reached twelve points again (75-63). Curry, however, took advantage of an illegal screen from Conley to crucify Minnesota with a 3-pointer at the third quarter buzzer and complete a 9-2 that kept Golden State in ambush (78-72).
On his momentum, he adds another layer to thrill the Chase Center and bring his team to -3 (80-77). But Anthony Edwards responded immediately. He finds Mike Conley in the corner 3-pointer, before converting a 3+1 to kill the momentum of the Warriors.
Abandoned by their external skill and unable to find the solution against the pair Rudy Gobert – Naz Reid, Steve Kerr's men conceded a 21-4 led by an Edwards in full control (101-81). This is the fourth game in a row where the Wolves have held their opponents below 92 points!
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Rudy Gobert effect. The French pivot finished the game with a double-double (17 points, 12 rebounds) but his impact on the match went well beyond these figures. To understand its effect on the Warriors' attack, you have to look at Golden State's success percentage in the paint when Steve Kerr raised the white flag with three minutes to play: 11/31, 35%. To give you an idea, the league average near the rim is 65%, and just below the free throw line is 43%! Rudy Gobert therefore played the role of scarecrow wonderfully. We must also highlight the slaughter of his friend Naz Reid, who was also excellent last night.
– Anthony Edwards wins his duel with Stephen Curry. Teammates this summer with Team USA, Edwards and Curry started the final quarter with 19 and 18 points respectively. A 3-pointer from Curry foreshadowed a crazy finish from the double MVP but Anthony Edwards immediately reversed the trend. He finished the quarter with 11 points and 4 assists, including several brilliant actions while in control to lead the 21-4 which killed the match and offered a fourth victory in a row to his team.
– Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody are out with injuries. After playing six minutes in the first half, Moses Moody, bothered in his right knee, did not hold his place after returning from the locker room. Andrew Wiggins, doubtful in the last two games with a painful ankle, joined his teammate in the infirmary after less than two minutes in the third quarter. Golden State's next game is Sunday night, again against the Wolves.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
