Game Preview #22 – Timberwolves at Warriors

The Wolves look to continue their Golden State winning streak, aiming four a fourth straight victory over California teams. You can rest assured that Steph Curry and the Warriors won’t make it easy for Minnesota.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors
Date: December 6th, 2024
Time: 9:00PM CST
Location: Chase Center
Television Coverage: ESPN/FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Wolves vs. Warriors: Can Minnesota Keep Rolling in California?

The Timberwolves are rolling into San Francisco with the momentum of a three-game winning streak, ready to take on the Golden State Warriors in the first of three December matchups. It’s the kind of stretch that could either solidify the Wolves as contenders or send them spiraling back to the inconsistent play that plagued them in November. But for now, things are looking up.

Minnesota just wrapped up a satisfying SoCal sweep, taking down both the Clippers and Lakers in impressive fashion. After weeks of frustration, questionable effort, and head-scratching losses, these back-to-back performances were exactly what Wolves fans needed. But let’s not hand out any trophies just yet—both LA teams came into those games running on fumes, playing on the second night of back-to-backs. The real test begins now, and it’s coming in the form of Steph Curry and Draymond Green.

Recent Wolves Wins: Progress or Pyrite?

Sure, beating the Lakers by 29 points and doubling up the Clippers before they waved the white flag is fun. But let’s not ignore the context: the Lakers looked like a sleep-deprived bunch who’d rather be napping in their hotel, and the Clippers played like they were already thinking about their next day off. That said, credit where credit’s due—the Wolves showed up and didn’t play down to their opponents.

• Rudy Gobert was a force of nature, swatting shots, snatching rebounds, and even stealing the ball for breakaway dunks like a seven-foot point guard. He looked like the Rudy we paid a king’s ransom for.
• Julius Randle remembered how to play efficient offense, dropping buckets and even rediscovering his three-point stroke.
• Donte DiVincenzo finally started hitting shots, something that had been missing for weeks. If he can stay consistent, that adds a much-needed weapon to this team’s offensive arsenal.

But let’s pump the brakes on the parade. These wins came against tired teams, and Golden State—despite their recent struggles—isn’t likely to roll over like the LA squads.

Golden State: Vulnerable but Dangerous

The Warriors started the season hot, but they’ve stumbled lately. They’re playing Houston tonight in what should be a grueling game, giving the Wolves another potential rest advantage. However, Steph Curry and Draymond Green are both listed as game-time decisions, and Andrew Wiggins’ status is uncertain. If Steve Kerr decides to rest his stars, Minnesota could be facing a weakened Warriors team. But don’t count on it—Golden State knows how critical these games are for the standings.

Even if the Warriors aren’t fully rested, the Wolves can’t afford to revert back to making the game a turnover fest. Golden State thrives on punishing mistakes, and Minnesota has been far too careless with the ball at times. The Wolves need to play smart, disciplined basketball, especially with their wings tasked with containing Curry.

And then there’s Draymond. You just know he’s been chomping at the bit to go after Rudy Gobert, especially after all the trash talk during last year’s playoffs when the Wolves were still playing and the Warriors were sitting on their couches. Expect fireworks in the paint.

Keys to Victory

For Minnesota to keep the streak alive, they need to stick to the blueprint that’s worked over the past two games:

1. Play to Their Size

Even without Karl-Anthony Towns, the Wolves have a size advantage over Golden State. Gobert, Randle, and Naz Reid need to own the paint, grab rebounds, and deny easy looks.

2. Limit Turnovers

Turnovers have been the Wolves’ Achilles’ heel all season. They can’t afford to gift possessions to a team as lethal as the Warriors, especially on their home court.

3. Keep Up the Defensive Intensity

Minnesota’s defense has been swarming and active during this streak, forcing turnovers and contesting shots. They need that same energy to slow down Curry and Co.

4. Rudy vs. Draymond

This matchup is going to be emotional and physical. If Rudy can dominate the boards and keep his cool, it’ll go a long way toward securing a win. If Draymond gets under his skin (and let’s be honest, Draymond has a PhD in irritation), it could derail things quickly.

5. Anthony Edwards’ Leadership

Ever since Ant called out his team, the Wolves have looked like a different squad. He needs to keep leading by example—both with his play and his energy. If he brings it, the rest of the team will follow.

The Bigger Picture

A win tomorrow night would give the Wolves their first four-game winning streak of the season and help them close the gap in the Western Conference standings. With three games against Golden State this month, this is an opportunity to make up serious ground.

More importantly, it’s a chance to send a message. The Wolves have looked like underachievers for much of the season, but these recent games have shown flashes of what they can be. Beating the Warriors—especially on the road—would signal that this team is finally starting to turn the corner.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota’s season has been a mixed bag, but the past two games have provided a glimpse of hope. The Wolves are showing energy, effort, and—most importantly—consistency for the first time in a while. But this road trip is no cakewalk. If they can carry their momentum into Golden State and come out with another win, it’ll be a huge step toward becoming the team we all thought they could be.

And let’s be honest—wouldn’t it feel amazing to silence Draymond in his own house? Let’s see if the Wolves can keep the California dream alive.