Curry's 39-Point Performance Falls Short as Warriors' Defense Crumbles - ESPN
- Anthony Slater Dec 13, 2025, 02:31 AM ET
SAN FRANCISCO -- Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry made a triumphant return after a quad injury, scoring 39 points in just 32 minutes on Friday night. Despite Curry's impressive performance, the Warriors suffered a setback, losing 127-120 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were missing key player Anthony Edwards.
Curry's return didn't stabilize the Warriors' shaky season. The team's defensive struggles continued, allowing 39 points in the fourth quarter at home, which led to a record drop to 13-13. Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed disappointment, stating, 'Our defense let us down tonight.'
Without Curry, the Warriors had been on a defensive roll, holding five of their previous opponents below 100 points and boasting the third-best defensive rating in the NBA. However, the absence of Draymond Green and Al Horford due to personal and health reasons, respectively, left the team vulnerable, especially in the interior defense.
Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle dominated the court, combining for 51 points and 23 rebounds. Curry acknowledged the team's challenge, saying, 'Draymond and Al understand how to make their impact, but we didn't have them.'
The Warriors' offensive inefficiency has been a significant issue, ranking 22nd in the NBA. Curry's return is a significant boost, as he scored 10 points in his first eight-minute stint, showcasing his quick shooting. The team strategically kept Curry at the facility during their road trip, aiming to optimize his conditioning for a Friday return.
Kerr praised Curry's performance, noting his movement and flow. Curry himself felt great after his initial run, stating, 'I feel great.' He finished with 28 shot attempts in 32 minutes, pulling the Warriors back into the game with crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
Despite Curry's stellar performance, the Warriors' loss to the Timberwolves means they are now 3½ games behind in the Western Conference standings. This setback highlights the team's ongoing defensive challenges, especially without their key players, and the need to generate momentum against strong opponents.
