The Minnesota Timberwolves fell short against the Golden State Warriors, 119-114, at Target Center on Wednesday. It was the Timberwolves' first game since it was announced that Anthony Edwards would be sidelined for up to two months due to a knee injury.
Minnesota fell to 3-2, while Golden State improved to 2-3.
The Timberwolves rallied in the fourth quarter after trailing by as much as 24 points. The Warriors, however, held on, led by Stephen Curry, who had 44 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
At one point, LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga appeared to have gotten frustrated with Rudy Gobert. Ball and Kuminga talked animatedly to Gobert on the bench. Gobert sat silently.
What we thinking LaMelo and Jonathan Kuminga are saying to Rudy Gobert here? 😬 #NBA #LaMeloBall #RudyGobert #MinnesotaTimberwolves pic.twitter.com/I9j2zapkpq
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) October 29, 2026
Ball had eight points on 3-of-11 shooting, four rebounds, eight assists, and six turnovers, while Kuminga tallied 20 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Gobert had one point and four rebounds in 20 minutes, as the Warriors' small-ball strategy rendered him ineffective.
The Warriors outrebounded the Timberwolves, 53-42. Minnesota gave up 22 points on 15 turnovers.
Article Continues BelowThe Timberwolves had a lackluster start, with the Warriors building a double-digit lead, 64-48, at halftime.
Jaden McDaniels added 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Terrence Shannon Jr. contributed 19 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Kuminga, McDaniels, and Shannon will have to stay consistent with Edwards out for an extended period, while Ball and Gobert will have to connect better to give the team an outside-inside dynamic.
The heated conversation was par for the course amid a tight contest, and it was encouraging to see the players holding each other accountable.