Russell, Edwards help Timberwolves beat Warriors in OT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — D’Angelo Russell scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Anthony Edwards took over in overtime after Russell fouled and the Minnesota Timberwolves outplayed the Golden State Warriors 119-114 on Wednesday night.

Russell fouled after two quick whistles in the first minute of overtime. That set the stage for Edwards.

After a scoreless fourth quarter, Edwards was aggressive in extra time, driving to the basket and scoring in traffic on several possessions. Edwards helped the Timberwolves – who were 11 down after three – complete the comeback. He scored just four of his 27 points in overtime but was the attacking catalyst in overtime.

“We needed it,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of Edwards. “It was nice to see him getting the color.”

Minnesota was a half game ahead of the Warriors in the Western Conference rankings.

Stephen Curry had 29 points and 10 rebounds for Golden State. Jordan Poole added 18 points, Klay Thompson had 14 and Draymond Green had 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Warriors had won three times in a row.

Golden State has committed nine total turnovers between the fourth quarter and overtime after turning the ball eight times in the first three quarters.

“We were in control of the game and I thought we just gift wrapped it,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “They took advantage of our mistakes and lack of execution. … Everything we had done up to that point to have control of the game we stopped doing, so we got what we deserved.”

Russell hit three 3-pointers early in the fourth to help Wolves fight back. After Russell got Minnesota back in the game, Naz Reid hit several starting shots, including a 3-pointer that made it a 110-108 game with 1:50 to play in rule.

“I just think as a group we made it together,” Russell said. “It was just a balanced game in our group. Everyone pitched in.”

Curry connected it with a driver layup at 110 and looked good with five seconds remaining but missed. Minnesota failed to get a good shot on the buzzer and sent the game into overtime.

With Russell watching from the bench, Edwards hit a big shot on the lane to put Minnesota 115-112 with 1:43 left. Reid, who had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota, ended the win with an emphatic dunk after rebounding his own miss in the dying seconds.

“This is a team that will not back down,” Reid said of the Warriors. “They’re used to winning and if we bring it to them early it just shows we’re not here to back down. We are really here to fight.”

Curry was held to six points in the fourth and didn’t score for Golden State in overtime.

The Timberwolves struggled from the free throw line for the second straight game. Minnesota finished 13-of-24 after playing 15-of-22 against Sacramento on Monday night.

Wednesday was Minnesota’s second straight overtime game. Wolves were outplayed 15-8 in overtime on Monday night.

TIP INS

Warrior: Andrew Wiggins scored 16 points against his former team.

Timberwolves: Minnesota was without center Rudy Gobert because of right groin pain.

NEXT

Warriors: Thursday night in Denver.

Timberwolves: host Orlando on Friday night.

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