The energy at Target Center was honestly something else. If you were looking for who won the Minnesota game last night, the short answer is the Minnesota Timberwolves, who managed to grind out a 108-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors. It wasn’t exactly a masterpiece of offensive efficiency, but in the NBA, a win is a win, especially when you’re fighting for seeding in a Western Conference that feels like a total gauntlet this year.
Minnesota won.
Anthony Edwards stayed hot, which shouldn't surprise anyone who has watched a single minute of Wolves basketball lately. He’s becoming that guy. You know, the one who wants the ball when the shot clock is bleeding out and the crowd is holding its collective breath. He finished with 31 points, and while his shooting percentages weren't legendary, his ability to get to the rim late in the fourth quarter basically saved the night for Minnesota.
Why the Timberwolves victory felt different this time
Usually, when the Warriors come to town, there’s this sense of impending doom once Steph Curry starts dancing at the perimeter. And yeah, Steph had his moments. He dropped 28. But the Timberwolves' defense, anchored by Rudy Gobert, actually held firm. It’s kinda wild to see how much more cohesive this unit looks compared to twelve months ago.
Gobert didn't light up the stat sheet with points—he had 9—but his 15 rebounds and three blocks were the invisible backbone of the win. When people ask who won the Minnesota game last night, they usually look at the leading scorer, but the real story was the interior defense. Golden State tried to drive. They got met by a French wall. They kicked it out. They missed.
The Warriors are struggling with their identity right now. Draymond Green was active, vocal, and honestly, a bit of a nuisance for the Wolves' young core, but it wasn't enough to overcome a Minnesota bench that showed up in a big way. Naz Reid continues to be the best-kept secret that isn't really a secret anymore. He provided 14 points off the pine, hitting two massive triples in the second half that stalled Golden State’s momentum.
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The turning point in the fourth quarter
Everything changed with about four minutes left on the clock.
The game was tied at 98. The atmosphere was tense. Minnesota had turned the ball over on two straight possessions, and you could feel that "here we go again" vibe creeping into the arena. Then, Mike Conley—the steady hand this team desperately needed—hit a floating runner that seemed to calm everyone down. Conley’s veteran presence is probably the most underrated aspect of this roster. He doesn't care about the highlights; he cares about the result.
- Defense tightened up: Minnesota switched to a zone for three possessions that clearly confused Steve Kerr’s squad.
- Rebounding: The Wolves outrebounded the Warriors 48-39. In a three-point game, that’s the margin of victory right there.
- Free Throws: Jaden McDaniels went 4-for-4 from the line in the final minute. Cold-blooded.
The Warriors had one last chance to tie it. Klay Thompson got a look from the corner. It looked good. It looked really good. But it rattled in and out, Gobert snatched the board, and that was that.
Examining the stats: Who won the Minnesota game last night on paper?
If you just look at the box score, it looks like a standard mid-season battle. But the nuances tell a different story. Minnesota’s transition defense was actually elite for once. They limited the Warriors to just 11 fast-break points. If you let Golden State run, you lose. It's that simple. Chris Finch deserves a lot of credit for the game plan because they forced the Warriors into a half-court game, which isn't where they want to be.
The turnover battle was ugly. Both teams combined for 34 turnovers. It was sloppy at times, kinda like watching a high-speed chase where both cars have flat tires. But Minnesota’s turnovers felt less "lazy" and more "aggressive," if that makes sense. They were trying to make plays.
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Key Performer Breakdown
Anthony Edwards: 31 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST.
Rudy Gobert: 9 PTS, 15 REB, 3 BLK.
Steph Curry: 28 PTS, 5 AST (in a losing effort).
Naz Reid: 14 PTS, 7 REB.
People keep waiting for the Timberwolves to fall off. They haven't. They’re sitting near the top of the standings, and wins like last night prove they can win the "ugly" games. That’s the mark of a playoff-ready team. In years past, Minnesota would have folded under the pressure of a Golden State comeback. Not this year.
What this means for the Western Conference standings
This win puts Minnesota two games clear of the fourth seed. It’s getting serious. The "spooky" Wolves era is over; we're in the "contender" era now. It feels weird to say, but honestly, they might be the most balanced team in the West right now when everyone is healthy.
The Warriors, on the other hand, are looking at the play-in tournament with a lot of anxiety. They need more from their supporting cast. Wiggins looked a bit lost at times, and the bench scoring just wasn't there. When you ask who won the Minnesota game last night, you’re also asking who lost a bit of their soul, and right now, the Warriors look tired.
Looking ahead at the schedule
Minnesota doesn't get much time to celebrate. They’ve got a back-to-back coming up against a physical Denver Nuggets team. That’s going to be the real litmus test. Can they bring this same defensive intensity when their legs are heavy?
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If you're betting on the Wolves, keep an eye on Karl-Anthony Towns’ injury status. They won last night without him being at 100%, but for a deep playoff run, they need his floor spacing. The fact they beat a team like the Warriors without KAT firing on all cylinders is actually terrifying for the rest of the league.
Tactical takeaways from the Wolves' win
Coach Chris Finch has figured something out with the staggered rotations. By keeping either Edwards or Conley on the floor at all times, the offense never truly stagnates. Last night, the second unit actually extended the lead in the second quarter, which used to be a death sentence for Minnesota fans.
- The Jaden McDaniels Factor: His box score won't wow you, but his "stocks" (steals + blocks) and his ability to bother Steph Curry on the perimeter were massive. He’s arguably the best perimeter defender in the league that nobody talks about.
- Paint Points: Minnesota dominated the paint. They had 52 points in the key compared to Golden State’s 38. This is where the size advantage of the "Twin Towers" lineup actually pays dividends.
People love to hate on the Gobert trade. It was expensive, sure. But in games like this, where the rim becomes a no-fly zone, you see exactly why they did it.
Actionable insights for fans and bettors
If you're following the Timberwolves this season, there are a few things to keep in mind for the coming weeks. First, their defensive rating is legit. Don't expect many high-scoring shootouts against them; they want to drag you into the mud. Second, Anthony Edwards is making a serious case for First-Team All-NBA. His usage rate is sky-high, so he’s a solid bet for over 25 points on any given night.
For those tracking the Warriors, be cautious. They are a different team on the road. Their defensive rotations were slow last night, and until they prove they can stop a dynamic scoring guard like Edwards, they’re going to struggle against the top-tier West teams.
Next Steps for Followers:
- Watch the injury reports: Specifically for Karl-Anthony Towns’ knee management, as it dictates how much Naz Reid plays.
- Monitor the home/away splits: The Wolves have turned Target Center into a fortress, making them a much safer bet at home.
- Check the defensive metrics: If Minnesota stays in the top three for defensive efficiency, they are a lock for a top-three seed.
The Timberwolves didn't just win a game last night; they sent a message that the hierarchy in the West has officially shifted.