Warriors hold on against Wolves after 24-point lead evaporates

Golden State Warriors fans watched their team’s 24-point advantage shrink to four points late Wednesday night in Minneapolis.

The Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-114. It was the third time in five games that Golden State held a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. The team has failed to secure a clean sweep in those specific scenarios. Their record in such contests is not perfect.

Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga were on the floor for the decisive minutes. Curry finished with 16 free throws, though he also missed a three-pointer that led to a transition basket for Minnesota. Ayo Dosunmu hit a triple to cut the lead to 116-112 with 45 seconds remaining. The Warriors did not blow it away, but the margin of victory was thinner than expected.

Coach Steve Kerr admitted the team struggled to close out the game. He said the squad needed to learn from the experience. Kerr noted that the team often tries to make spectacular plays when they should be making solid ones. This approach allows opponents to gain momentum.

The issue is not new. The Warriors lost to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday after leading 106-94 with under four minutes to play. That defeat dropped them to 0-3, their worst start since the 2007-08 season. They are now 2-3 on the year. The Timberwolves were missing Anthony Edwards, yet they outscored Golden State in the final stretch.

Minnesota scored 64 points in the final 110 points of the game. The Timberwolves hit 10 three-pointers in the second half while Golden State made just one. The younger, more athletic team imposed a pace that favored their style. The Warriors allowed this shift to happen after a cluster of turnovers in the third quarter.

Curry acknowledged that the team needs to become more organized offensively. He stated that they often play on their heels when they should be using the opponent's pressure against them. The Warriors are the most veteran team in the league by age. They are also integrating new players and offensive systems. The next game will offer another chance to test these adjustments.