3 things to know: Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins combine for 59 points in 130-108 win over Minnesota Timberwolves

Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins paired for 59 points to snap the Warriors’ two-game losing streak with a win over the Timberwolves, 130-108.

Following a pair of consecutive losses, the Golden State Warriors got back in the win column with a 130-108 win over the injury-hampered Minnesota Timberwolves. 

After taking an 11 point advantage in the first quarter, the Warriors paced the T-Wolves for a wire-to-wire victory at Chase Center. While the Timberwolves were able to cut into Golden State’s lead at different moments in the game, the combination of Andrew Wiggins and Steph Curry helped stifle any Minnesota run. 

Via @NBCSWarriors on Twitter: 

The Timberwolves will stay in the Bay Area for the second game of a two-game series slated for Thursday at 7 p.m. PST. 

Here are three things to know from Golden State’s 130-108 win from Monday. 

New starting lineup makes first impression

Instead of James Wiseman, Steve Kerr opted to start Kevon Looney at center for the first time this season. While Looney only recorded two points in 19 minutes, Golden State’s opening five flowed on both sides of the floor, jumping out to an 11 point lead in the first quarter. 

In 16 minutes off the bench, Wiseman recorded 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field with four rebounds and two blocks in his first appearance in the second unit. 

 

Steph Curry, the closer

With the Timberwolves mounting a comeback in the fourth quarter, Curry took the game over. The two-time Most Valuable Player closed the game, scoring 15 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter. Curry was perfect from beyond the arc, hitting three shots from long distance. The six-time All-Star recorded his game-sealing flurry in only four minutes in the fourth quarter. 

Via @warriors on Twitter: 

Double whammy

Although it was their first meeting of 2021, the Warriors and Timberwolves will be connected throughout the remainder of the season. Along with Wiggins, the Timberwolves sent their top-three protected 2021 first-round pick to Golden State in the D’Angelo Russell blockbuster trade. 

By winning against Minnesota on Monday, the Warriors essentially improved their potential draft position. Following the loss, the Timberwolves fell to 4-12 on the season, the worst record in the Western Conference. According to Tankathon, the Timberwolves currently hold the No. 2 overall selection in the 2021 draft. 

*Bonus: The Anthony Edwards dunk

Although the Warriors won the game, Anthony Edwards may have some bragging rights over his fellow top overall draft pick. The No. 1 overall pick flew through the lane for a vicious one-handed tomahawk dunk past Wiseman in the first quarter. 

Via @BleacherReport on Twitter: