The Golden State Warriors continue their pursuit of a record-breaking 73 wins when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have plenty of reasons to rise for this game. Join The Roar for live scores from 12:30pm (AEDT).
The Warriors currently have 69 victories, and need to win four of their final five games if they are to break the Chicago Bulls’ 1996 record.
With an upcoming schedule that includes two games against the San Antonio Spurs and a meeting with the Memphis Grizzlies it’s looking a little less than likely, so a win here is critical.
The Warriors were looking a much better chance of getting to the record before an unexpected loss to the Boston Celtics, although they did bounce back with an emphatic win against the Portland Trail Blazers in their last match.
Stephen Curry led the way against Portland with 38 points, as the Warriors won the battle in the final quarter, eventually securing victory by 25.
As a team, their shooting percentage was off the charts and defence looked to be clicking as well, which needed to improve if they want to challenge for the championship.
The Timberwolves are 44 games behind the Warriors, with the playoffs well and truly beyond them. They come into this one on the back of three straight losses, against the Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks.
Andrew Wiggins is their key – he averages over 20 points per game, and more than likely will have to do a job on Curry or Klay Thompson in defence.
In their ten-point loss to the Mavericks, Minnesota were murdered by turnovers and low shooting percentages, although Wiggins scored 30 of 78 total points at over 50 per cent.
The Warriors might lead the season series two-nil, but last time out the game was tied with two minutes to go before Golden State pushed ahead to win by five.
There is always extra meaning to a Warriors-Wolves clash – Minnesota passed up Curry in the 2009 draft, picking Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn ahead of him.
Prediction
The Warriors’ pursuit of 73, plus the obvious gap in talent, should see them get the job done in a close one.
Warriors by 5.
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