- The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-106, with Gary Payton II playing a key role in shutting down Anthony Edwards in the fourth quarter
- Payton’s defensive pressure, along with help from teammates, limited Edwards to a struggling performance in the final quarter
- The Warriors started Payton strategically to match up against Edwards from the start, and his defensive prowess was key to the victory
- Buddy Hield had a standout performance with 27 points and seven 3-pointers, including a crucial shot in the closing minutes
- The Warriors improved their record to 14-9, while the Timberwolves fell to 12-11, with the team adjusting their starting lineup due to Andrew Wiggins’ absence
Key Takeaways:
The Golden State Warriors emerged victorious over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 114-106, thanks in large part to a stellar defensive performance from Gary Payton II. Payton’s assignment was to shut down Anthony Edwards, who had been dominating the game with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting through three quarters. However, in the fourth quarter, Payton’s defensive pressure forced turnovers and limited Edwards’ scoring, helping the Warriors secure the win.
Stephen Curry drops 30 PTS, 4 REB, 8 AST, 1 STL as the Warriors get the 114-106 WIN over the Timberwolves 💪
Buddy Hield with 27 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL and 7 3PM ‼️ pic.twitter.com/Q4hkhGjfFp
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) December 9, 2024
The decision to start Payton was a strategic one, with the team wanting their best defender on Edwards from the start. The move paid off, as Payton’s defensive prowess was on full display, and he played a season-high 27 minutes. His key steals in the fourth quarter were instrumental in disrupting the Timberwolves’ offense and securing the victory. Coach Kerr praised Payton’s performance, crediting him for the win.
The Warriors also received strong contributions from other players, including Buddy Hield, who scored 27 points and hit seven 3-pointers, including a crucial shot in the closing minutes. Steph Curry added 30 points, while Jonathan Kuminga contributed 20 points and played solid defense. The team’s small-ball lineup, which included Curry, Hield, Payton, Kuminga, and Draymond Green, proved effective in the absence of Andrew Wiggins. The win improves the Warriors’ record to 14-9, while the Timberwolves fall to 12-11.