The Dubs fought with heart. Kuminga played with fire. But in a frustrating Golden State Warriors Game 3 loss, Golden State’s punch just didn’t land hard enough.
Warriors fans were ready to witness a statement game at the Target Center—but what we got was a war during Golden State Warriors Game 3. A battle of grit. A throwback playoff slugfest. The final score? Timberwolves 102, Warriors 97. Minnesota now leads the series 2-1, and the Dubs are staring down a must-win Game 4 in the Bay.
First Quarter: The Wolves Howled Early
Minnesota opened up with an 8-2 flurry—capped by an icy Anthony Edwards step-back three. That shot? It was like thunder before a storm. A message. “We’re here to run you out.” But Golden State didn’t flinch during Golden State Warriors Game 3. Even with their offense sputtering like a cold engine, the Dubs clamped down defensively. The blueprint was clear: if they couldn’t outrun the Wolves, they’d outlast them.
Kuminga, the Quiet Star
Let’s talk about Jonathan Kuminga.
This wasn’t just a solid night. It was a statement. Kuminga turned into the kind of playoff player fans whisper about becoming legends. He guarded like his life depended on it—two blocks, countless tips, endless hustle. Sure, he gave Reid too much air once, but who hasn’t? JK was relentless, pushing the break, fighting through contact, and making his presence known in the trenches during Golden State Warriors Game 3.
If this is the future, sign me up. Kuminga didn’t just show up. He showed out.
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When Ant-Man Attacks
Anthony Edwards is a force. He only hit one shot in the first half, but the second half? Whole different story. He torched Golden State with 36 points, and when you mix that with Julius Randle’s casual triple-double—24-12-10—you’ve got a recipe for heartbreak. Even Naz Reid and McDaniels combined for a ridiculous 6-for-7 from deep. What are you supposed to do with that?
Jimmy Buckets, Version Dub Nation
While Steph’s return remains a question mark, Jimmy Butler III tried to shoulder the spotlight. From the opening tip, he played with a mission. His drives were aggressive, his midrange crisp, and he ended the half with 18 points and 5 assists. He did have a few errant passes, but he was the clear offensive anchor.
Golden State’s offense? Almost prehistoric in strategy—pounding the paint like it was 2005. They made one shot outside the paint in the entire first half. One. And yet, they stayed close. Because defense, heart, and Kuminga.
Next Up: Chase Center, Do or Die
Game 4 tips off Monday night at 10:00 pm Eastern in the Chase Center. With the crowd behind them and their backs against the wall, the Warriors will need something special.
We’ve seen magic before.
Let’s hope we see it again.
