Stephen Curry Scores 44 as Warriors Beat Timberwolves 119-114 for 2nd Straight Win/ NEWSLOOKS/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Stephen Curry scored 44 points as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-114 Wednesday for their second consecutive victory. Curry made all 16 free throws, while rookie Yaxel Lendeborg contributed 26 points and nine rebounds. Golden State improved to 2-3 before returning home for a six-game stretch beginning Friday against the Lakers.
Quick Look
- Final score: Warriors 119, Timberwolves 114.
- Curry’s milestone: He recorded his NBA-record 46th game of at least 40 points since turning 30.
- Perfect at the line: Curry went 16 for 16 on free throws, including seven makes in the final eight minutes.
- Early scoring: He had 23 points and five 3-pointers by halftime.
- Rookie contribution: Lendeborg finished with 26 points and nine rebounds but committed seven turnovers.
- Minnesota Absence: The Timberwolves played their first game since Anthony Edwards underwent a right knee arthroscopic procedure.
- Winning response: Golden State followed an 0-3 start with victories in Denver and Minneapolis.
- Next matchup: The Warriors host Luka Doncic and the Lakers on Friday.
Deep Look
Curry Delivers Season-Best Performance in Minneapolis
Stephen Curry scored 44 points Wednesday night to lead the Golden State Warriors past the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-114, securing a second straight victory after three losses to open the season.
The performance marked Curry’s NBA-record 46th game scoring at least 40 points since his 30th birthday.
Golden State built a lead as large as 24 points before Minnesota rallied, forcing the Warriors to withstand pressure deep into the fourth quarter.
Curry ultimately helped close the game at the free throw line, making all 16 attempts.
Warriors Use High Screens to Target Minnesota’s Defense
Golden State’s coaching staff designed its offensive approach around pulling Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert away from the basket.
Repeated high screens involving Curry forced Gobert into space and created problems for Minnesota’s defensive coverage.
The Timberwolves were playing their first game since Anthony Edwards underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee.
Curry attacked early, attempting six shots during the opening seven minutes and another 10 in the second quarter.
By halftime, he had 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including five 3-pointers. His fifth came from 31 feet.
“I’m just watching like, man, this guy is good as hell,” rookie Yaxel Lendeborg said. “It’s crazy. I caught myself shaking my head a couple times.”
Curry’s Aggression Follows Different Approach Against Denver
Wednesday’s performance contrasted with Golden State’s victory in Denver two nights earlier.
The Nuggets concentrated their defense on Currylimiting him to one first-half shot attempt. He finished that game a perfect 8 for 8 from the field.
Against Minnesota, the Warriors deliberately leaned more heavily on his scoring.
Curry also exceeded 30 minutes for the first time this season. He said a third-quarter dive for a loose ball reflected how well he was feeling physically.
Free Throws Help Warriors Survive Late Rally
Minnesota pressured Golden State into turnovers and accelerated the pace, cutting into the Warriors’ substantial lead.
Although Curry cooled from the field, he made all seven of his free throws during the final eight minutes to help preserve the victory.
“We still have a lot of things to [improve]but you like learning lessons while you’re winning,” Curry said. “The 2-1 road trip is great. Step in the right direction.”
The result offered encouragement after Golden State’s difficult opening week, though Curry acknowledged that the team’s execution remained uneven.
“There’s a slight bit of relief,” he said. “But still an understanding that in the Memphis game, the second half tonight, we know we can play better.”
Lendeborg Produces Again but Criticizes His Turnovers
Lendeborg followed his breakout performance against Denver with 26 points and nine rebounds in Minneapolis.
On Monday, in his fourth career game, the rookie had delivered 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists as Golden State beat the Nuggets convincingly.
Despite another productive scoring night Wednesday, coach Steve Kerr said Lendeborg was unhappy afterward because he committed seven turnovers.
“I played hella soft today,” Lendeborg said.
Lakers Rematch Opens Six-Game Homestand
The Warriors’ consecutive victories helped ease concerns about an early-season slide following their 0-3 start.
That opening stretch included a home loss to Memphis in which Golden State surrendered a 12-point lead over the final three minutes.
The team now returns to San Francisco for six consecutive home games, beginning Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles comfortably beat Golden State in the season opener, a game that included a confrontation between Lendeborg and Luka Doncic that continued into postgame news conferences.
Asked whether he welcomed the rematch, Lendeborg answered, “Absolutely.”
“Yes, I am,” he said. “I’ll talk about that more on Friday.”
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