Warriors Fall Short Against Timberwolves Despite Curry’s 39-Point Return

The Golden State Warriors suffered a setback on December 8, 2023, losing 127-120 to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Despite a remarkable performance from Steph Curry, who scored 39 points in his return from a left quad injury, the Warriors could not secure the win. This game marked the first meeting between the teams since Minnesota eliminated Golden State in the second round of the 2025 playoffs.

Curry, who had missed the previous five games, started alongside Pat Spencer for the first time. The Timberwolves played without their star guard Anthony Edwards, who was sidelined due to foot soreness. The Warriors also missed key players, including Draymond Green and Al Horford, further complicating their lineup.

The Warriors began strong, leading 63-61 at halftime, with Curry contributing 16 points. However, Minnesota’s frontcourt proved challenging, with Julius Randle scoring 27 points and Rudy Gobert contributing 24 points and 14 rebounds. The Timberwolves’ size advantage became evident as they took control in the second half, briefly leading by double digits.

As the game progressed, Golden State fought back, with Curry leading a late surge that brought the Warriors ahead 115-114 with just over two minutes remaining. Ultimately, the Timberwolves responded with resilience, and former Warrior Donte DiVincenzo hit a critical three-pointer with 27 seconds left, sealing the game for Minnesota.

The Warriors now hold a record of 13-13 and will travel to Portland for their next game. Coach Steve Kerr utilized a variety of guard combinations during the match, playing six of the eight healthy guards on the roster. Notable pairings included Brandin Podziemski with De’Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield floated between different units, showcasing his defensive capabilities against Minnesota’s forwards.

In contrast, forward Jonathan Kuminga was notably absent from the rotation, receiving his second consecutive healthy scratch. This decision raises questions about his future with the team, especially as he becomes eligible for trade on January 15.

Both Green and Horford were unavailable for the game, with Green absent due to personal reasons, while Horford has struggled with sciatica, having played only one game since November 21. Coach Kerr indicated that Green would travel with the team to Portland, but no updates were provided regarding Horford’s condition.

Reflecting on the previous playoff defeat to the Timberwolves, Kerr acknowledged that while he does not focus extensively on past losses, the experience has highlighted areas for improvement. He noted that the playoffs exposed weaknesses in defense and specific skills, emphasizing the need for growth as the season progresses.