Game Preview #23 – Timberwolves at Warriors

The Wolves look to extend their winning streak to five games in the second of back-to-back games against Golden State. Will the Wolves keep the good times rolling or will the Warriors avenge Friday’s loss?

Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors
Date: December 8th, 2024
Time: 7:30PM CST
Location: Chase Center
Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

The Wolves Are Rolling: Can They Sweep Golden State and Extend Their Winning Streak?

Starting December with a dominant 3-0 run, the Wolves have notched victories by 29, 28, and 17 points against the Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors. And now, they’re heading back to the Chase Center to take on Golden State for the second time in three days. This is the kind of streak Wolves fans have been waiting for, but the question remains: can they sustain it?

Friday’s 17-point victory over the Warriors wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. In the past three games, Minnesota looked cohesive, aggressive, and energized in a way we haven’t seen since last season’s playoff run. This isn’t the sloppy, disconnected squad that stumbled through November. This is a team playing with purpose, thanks in no small part to Anthony Edwards’ fiery Thanksgiving critique that seems to have lit a fire under the whole locker room.

But before we get too comfortable, it’s worth acknowledging the schedule gods have been kind. Each of the Wolves’ last three opponents was on the second night of a back-to-back, with heavy legs and long flights catching up to them. Tomorrow night, the playing field evens out as both teams will be well-rested. If the Wolves can replicate their defensive intensity and disciplined play, they’ll have a great shot at sweeping the two-game set in San Francisco and extending their winning streak to five games.

What’s Changed for the Wolves?

Let’s start with the defense. During their four-game losing streak in late November, the Wolves looked disjointed and flat. Opponents waltzed into the paint, and transition buckets came easy. Fast forward to this streak, and it’s like watching an entirely different team. Rudy Gobert is back to being the defensive anchor we know he can be, swatting shots, forcing turnovers, and clogging the paint. The hustle and energy across the board have been contagious, and the Wolves are grinding their opponents to a halt for long stretches.

Offensively, the Wolves are finally moving the ball. Gone are the stagnant, iso-heavy possessions that made every Wolves fan want to pull their hair out. Instead, we’re seeing crisp passing, 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 back to knocking down triples after a slump of his own. Pair that with Anthony Edwards’ continued brilliance, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

Keys to the Rematch

1. Keep the Defensive Intensity

Defense has been the Wolves’ calling card during this streak, 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 great shape.

2. Limit Turnovers

The Wolves have done a better job protecting the ball during their streak, but they’re not mistake-free. Friday’s win over Golden State still saw a fair share of turnovers, but crucially, they didn’t lead to easy transition buckets. Minnesota can’t afford to give the Warriors free points, especially on their home court.

3. Shooters Need to Stay Hot

Minnesota’s shooting has been reinvigorated. DiVincenzo, McDaniels, and Conley are hitting from deep, and Anthony Edwards continues his league-leading damage from beyond the arc as well. If the threes keep falling, the Wolves can stretch the floor and keep the Warriors’ defense scrambling.

4. Dominate the Paint

Even without Karl-Anthony Towns, the Wolves have a clear size advantage over the Warriors. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid need to continue owning the boards and making life miserable for Golden State inside. Draymond Green will try to stir things up (because of course he will), but the Wolves have the personnel to neutralize him.

What’s at Stake?

This isn’t just about extending a winning streak. The Wolves are 12-10, while the Warriors sit at 13-9. A win tomorrow night would tie the two teams in the standings, but Minnesota would hold the edge thanks to leading the head-to-head series. Just a week ago, the Wolves were languishing outside the play-in picture and the Warriors sat atop the conference. But with the standings so tight, the Wolves suddenly within striking distance of a top-four seed.

The West is a battlefield this year. With evenly-matched teams all jostling for position, going on a hot streak can make all the difference. The Wolves have already flipped the script on what looked like a disappointing season, but they can’t afford to let up. Beating Golden State again would send a clear message to the rest of the league: Minnesota is back.

Final Thoughts

The Wolves’ December turnaround has been nothing short of thrilling. They’re playing like the team we all knew they could be—active, disciplined, and relentless. But the Warriors won’t roll over on their home floor, and you can bet Steve Kerr will make adjustments to avoid a back-to-back sweep.

It’s going to come down to hustle, defense, and shot-making. If Minnesota stays focused and plays the way they have over the past three games, they should come out on top. And let’s be honest—there’s a little extra motivation when it’s the Warriors. After years of Golden State dominance, there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing the Wolves get the upper hand.

This is a pivotal stretch for Minnesota. They’ve turned a corner, but the job’s not done. Let’s see if they can keep rolling, take down Golden State again, and head back to Minnesota with their heads held high—and a five-game winning streak in tow.