After having chained three victories in a row, the Warriors were in Minneapolis to face Wolves in search of victory. A tough match contested, a suspenseful end to the match, an extension and a monumental choke… we were served!
The Dubs are doing better since the return of Steph Curry. Victories against the Grizzlies, Raptors and OKC and here are the defending champions left in the right direction. This move to Minnesota was all about confirmation, and if the Warriors had the opportunity to lead wide enough, they ruined everything and fell back into their ways.
A fairly average start to the match on both sides, many faults, missed shots, a choppy encounter, but the Dubs still took the lead. The second quarter will be much better, Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins and Donte DiVincenzo allow the Warriors to lead by nine points at the break (71-62).
A discreet and somewhat – too – messy Stephen Curry will show up at the start of the third quarter. Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, all will be active and effective to allow the Dubs to take a significant advantage: +12 at the start of the last act. Enough to win you say? Well no.
Because Wolves are not going to let go. Minnesota wants to restart a winning streak and will up the ante on defense. Repeated ball losses, (very) badly managed possessions, Splash Bros a little inside… the Warriors will lose all their lead and see the Wolves come back little by little. D’Angelo Russell scored 14 of his 29 points in the last twelve minutes, becoming the executioner of his former franchise. A huge 3-point shot to bring his team back to -1 with 3 minutes to go, the balls. Minny will then equalize and snatch a miraculous extension. Stephen Curry will have the opportunity to register a game-winner, it will not happen.
Overtime is just a formality. Wolves have the momentum, and Naz Reid will come and lay the lid off a huge dunk to put his team to safety. Victory 119-114. Driven by their public, the Wolves come to seek a victory which can be founding for the future. The Warriors have completely messed up and lost again.
NAZ REID WITH SECONDS LEFT IN OT.
TIMBERWOLVES WIN. pic.twitter.com/uoT0KaptAC
— NBA (@NBA) February 2, 2023
On the stats side, D-Lo finished with 29 points and 2 assists, while Naz Reid posed a huge double-double (24 points, 13 rebounds). Among the Dubs, the Chief still finished with 29 points but an 8/21 with a very ugly shot when you look at the end of the match.
A very unfortunate defeat for the Warriors who seemed to have mastered their subject. Worthy of a defending champion? Clearly not. Come on, let’s put the frustration aside and get ready for the big shock against the Nuggets tomorrow. Dubs are always expected around the corner.
Timberwolves got the OT win behind a strong team performance ????
Naz Reid: 24 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST
Ant Edwards: 27 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
D’Angelo Russell: 29 PTS, 7 Threes pic.twitter.com/F1HVQ2dJzM— NBA (@NBA) February 2, 2023
Source texte : ESPN