Draymond Green Leads Warriors In Bounce Back Victory Over Timberwolves

With reigning MVP Steph Curry and his fellow Splash Brother Klay Thompson, going through their second straight rough shooting game, it was Mr. Do-it-all Draymond Green that led Golden State to a 109-105 victory Monday night.

Warriors Outlast Timberwolves On Road Despite Steph’s Struggles

The fourth-year Michigan State product shined brightly in all facets of the hard fought victory, scoring 24 points on 10-13 shooting along with nine rebounds and six assists.  Green also played well defensively, at times guarding the last two top overall picks in the NBA Draft, the athletic Andrew Wiggins (2014) or likely Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns (2015).  Green recorded three blocks and three steals on the defensive end.

The usually sharpshooting back court duo of Curry and Thompson combined to shoot 11-31 for 36 points.  While Thompson made all five of his three pointers he was 0-9 on two point attempts, finishing with 17 points.  Curry had problems connecting with his three point shot for the second straight game, going 2-9 from distance.  The likely MVP began to set up teammates while searching for his shot and racked up 11 assists.

The Timberwolves gave a valiant effort and continue to show that they are a team on the rise and could be a contender in a few seasons.  Towns notched a double double with 24 points and 11 rebounds with a strong shooting performance (11-19). WIggins led the team with 25 points.

Wolves’ point guard Ricky Rubio, who had 20 points and 11 assists said the team tried to implement the same strategy as the San Antonio Spurs by aggressively switching on screens to get a hand in shooters’ faces.

“I think San Antonio did a pretty good job and we followed their game plan,” Rubio said. “It was different than what we used to do, but I think we came up big.”

With the win, number 63 on the season, Golden State continues their pursuit of the NBA record for wins in a season.  At 63-7, the Warriors must go at least 10-2 over their final 12 games go break the 1995-96 Bulls’ record of 72 wins.  The will pick up on the chase for 73 Wednesday night when they host Chris Paul and the Clippers at 10:30.  The Timberwolves (22-48) were already eliminated from playoff contention.  Their next game concludes a brief two game home stand.  The will tip off with the Sacramento Kings March 23 at 8 p.m.