Saturday’s contest between Minnesota and Golden State was delayed by roughly 20 minutes because of a basket malfunction. The rim had to be re-netted, a process that required multiple people and far too much time.
Once the hoop was finally ready for showtime, enough time had elapsed that both teams had to warm up again.
And that was far from the ugliest aspect of the first half. Minnesota’s play was far worse.
Minnesota scored 15 points over the first 18 minutes of Saturday’s home tilt against Golden State. Fifteen points in 18 minutes. Even for this offense, it was difficult to fathom. The boo birds were out in full chorus. Minnesota was sans any rhythm. An offense that has been without any cohesion for a month-plus had bottomed out.
Minnesota shot 27 percent from the floor in the first half.
“I think we were getting good looks. I don’t think they were tough shots. I don’t think they were bad shots,” Wolves guard Donte DiVincenzo said. “I think they were coming in the flow of our offense, and they didn’t go down.”
And somehow, from somewhere, the Wolves found life. After not scoring a single point over the first six-plus minutes of the second quarter, they found life. Minnesota scored 46 points over the ensuing 11 and a half minutes of play. After scoring 37 points in the first half, the Timberwolves scored 38 points in the third quarter.
But, in the end, it wasn’t enough, as Minnesota fell 113-103 to Golden State.
Minnesota re-claimed the lead in the fourth quarter thanks to a strong offensive run from Naz Reid — who finished with 16 points on 6 for 10 shooting — and a number of hustle plays on both ends of the floor.
“Felt pretty decent,” Reid said of his offensive outburst. “Obviously, the goal is to win the game, so didn’t get the ultimate goal done, but it felt good to play my game at my pace after a couple games in a slump. Obviously, I’ve got to continue that, but it felt pretty decent.”
But it was the Warriors who made the extra efforts in winning time, with Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski serving as the unsung heroes, with Steph Curry delivering a number of kill shots in the closing minutes.
The game was tied 84-84 when Reid checked out with with eight minutes to play. The Warriors (15-12) scored on 10 straight possessions from that point to build an 11-point advantage.
Curry finished with 31 points, 13 of which came in the fourth.
“What we can hang our hat on is the defensive end. That’s where I think we could’ve been a little bit better,” DiVincenzo said. “Make or miss shots, that’s going to happen, but this team is always going to defend, so I think tonight, the second chance opportunities, a few little plays here and there that we would like to clean up. We always strive for perfection on the defensive end, because you know offense is going to come and go throughout the season.”
The Wolves (14-13) have now been held below 110 points in regulation in 13 straight games.
It’s hard to point to anything they’ve done well — or anyone who has consistently performed well — on the offensive end in that span.
Julius Randle sparked some transition opportunities to help re-engage Minnesota on Saturday. Anthony Edwards hit a couple triples in success. But nothing is consistent or replicable.
Edwards finished with 19 points on 6 for 20 shooting.
