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NBA: Game Preview #23 – Timberwolves at Warriors

NBA: Game Preview #23 – Timberwolves at Warriors

Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors
Date: December 8, 2024
Time: 7:30pm CST
Location: Chase Center
TV coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio reporting: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

The Wolves are on the rise: Can they beat Golden State and extend their winning streak?

The Wolves began December with a dominant 3-0 run, earning wins by 29, 28 and 17 points against the Lakers, Clippers and Warriors. And now they return to Chase Center to face Golden State for the second time in three days. This is the kind of winning streak Wolves fans have been waiting for, but the question remains: can they keep it up?

Friday’s 17-point win over the Warriors wasn’t just a win – it was a statement. Over the last three games, Minnesota has looked cohesive, aggressive and energized in a way we haven’t seen since last season’s playoffs. This is not the sloppy, disjointed bunch that stumbled through November. This is a team that plays with purpose, thanks in no small part to Anthony Edwards’ fiery Thanksgiving review that seemed to light a fire throughout the locker room.

But before we get too comfortable, we should acknowledge that the gods were kind to the timing. Each of Wolves’ last three opponents were on the second night of a meeting, with heavy legs and long flights catching up with them. Tomorrow night the playing field will even out as both teams will be rested. If the Wolves can repeat their defensive intensity and disciplined play, they have a good chance of winning the two-game set in San Francisco and extending their winning streak to five games.

What has changed for the wolves?

Let’s start with defense. During their four-game losing streak in late November, the Wolves looked disjointed and flat. The opponents rolled into the depths and transition throws were easy. When we look at this winning streak, it’s like watching a completely different team. Rudy Gobert is back to being the defensive anchor we know he can be, knocking down shots, forcing turnovers and clogging the floor. The buzz and energy across the board was infectious and the Wolves shut down their opponents for long stretches.

Offensively, the Wolves finally get the ball moving. Gone are the stagnant, iso-heavy possessions that had every Wolves fan tearing their hair out. Instead, we see clear passes, smart shot selection and, most importantly, shots actually falling. Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels have rediscovered their three-point stroke, and Julius Randle is hitting triples again after a lull of his own. Combine that with the continued brilliance of Anthony Edwards and you have a recipe for success.

Key to the rematch

1. Maintain defensive intensity

Defense has been the Wolves’ calling card in this series and it needs to stay that way. The Warriors lack depth behind Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga. If Minnesota can stifle Curry’s offense and keep the supporting cast quiet, they’ll be in top shape.

2. Limit sales

The Wolves have protected the ball better during their streak, but are not flawless. There were still some turnovers in Friday’s win against Golden State, but crucially, they didn’t lead to easy substitutions. Minnesota can’t afford to give the Warriors free points, especially on their home court.

3. Shooters need to stay hot

The Minnesota shooting has been reinvigorated. DiVincenzo, McDaniels and Conley hit from deep, and Anthony Edwards continued his league-leading damage from distance. If the threes continue to fall, the Wolves can stretch the floor and keep the Warriors defense going.

4. Dominate color

Even without Karl-Anthony Towns, the Wolves have a clear size advantage over the Warriors. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid must continue to own the boards and make life difficult for Golden State. Draymond Green will try to make a splash (because of course he will), but the Wolves have the personnel to neutralize him.

What is at stake?

It’s not just about extending a winning streak. The Wolves are 12-10 while the Warriors are 13-9. A win tomorrow night would bring the two teams level in the standings, but Minnesota would stay ahead thanks to the lead in the head-to-head series. Just a week ago, the Wolves were languishing outside the play-in picture and the Warriors were atop the conference. But because the table is so tight, the Wolves are suddenly within striking distance of one of the top four.

The West is a battleground this year. Since equally strong teams are all fighting for their positions, a winning streak can make all the difference. Wolves have already flipped the script on a seemingly disappointing season, but they cannot afford to let up. A win over Golden State again would send a clear message to the rest of the league: Minnesota is back.

Final thoughts

Wolves’ turnaround in December was nothing short of exciting. They play like the team we all knew they could be – active, disciplined and relentless. But the Warriors won’t roll over at home, and you can bet Steve Kerr will make adjustments to avoid back-to-back sweeps.

It’s all about hustle, defense and shooting technique. If Minnesota stays focused and plays like they have in the last three games, they should emerge victorious. And let’s be honest: The Warriors still have a little more motivation. After years of Golden State dominance, it’s deeply satisfying to see the Wolves come out on top.

This is a crucial stage for Minnesota. You’ve turned the corner, but the job isn’t done yet. Let’s see if they can move on, beat Golden State again and return to Minnesota with their heads held high – and a five-game winning streak under their belt.

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