Holding a tight two-point lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves with under 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Golden State Warriors looked to be nearing a significant step in the Western Conference playoff standings with a win.
However, a collapse in the final minute for the Warriors flipped the game and tightened the playoff race at the No. 6 seed in the wild west.
With the Warriors gripping to a one-point lead, Minnesota’s Kyle Anderson was able to force Draymond Green into a costly turnover with 14 seconds on the clock. Following the turnover from Green, Karl Anthony-Towns immediately drilled his second consecutive 3-pointer to stun the Warriors and take a two-point lead with under 10 seconds remaining.
With the chance to tie the game or take the lead with a clutch shot of their own, Jordan Poole turned the ball over with a pass out of bounds. A Jaden McDaniels free throw and a missed shot from Steph Curry at the buzzer locked the game up for the Timberwolves, 99-96.
Minnesota’s late comeback snapped Golden State’s eight-game home winning streak along with spoiling the return of Gary Payton II. The recently re-acquired guard made his debut with the Warriors on Sunday after missing time due to an adductor injury.
Payton II tallied nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from the floor with two boards, an assist and a block in 15 minutes off the bench against the Timberwolves.
Poole led the way for the Warriors, scoring a game-high 27 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the floor with four boards, two assists and two steals in 31 minutes off the bench.
Following the Warriors’ costly loss to the Timberwolves, the NBA community on Twitter chimed in with reactions. Here’s a look at what fans and analysts were saying about the game on Sunday.—Agencies
