Stephen Curry made a splashy return to the court after a two-week absence due to a quad injury. In just 32 minutes, he scored an impressive 39 points. However, his stellar performance wasn't enough to secure a win for the Golden State Warriors, who lost 127-120 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Warriors' defense was a major letdown, allowing the Timberwolves to score 39 points in the fourth quarter alone. This loss brings the Warriors' record to 13-13, highlighting their struggles this season.

Without Curry, the Warriors had been playing solid defense, holding four of their last five opponents below 100 points and winning three of those games. They entered the night with the third-best defensive rating in the NBA. But with key players Draymond Green and Al Horford missing, the team struggled on the interior. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle capitalized, combining for 51 points and 23 rebounds.

Curry's return was a bright spot, but the Warriors' offense remains inefficient, ranking 22nd in the NBA. Despite his quick start, scoring 10 points in his first eight minutes, the team couldn't pull off a win. Curry took 28 shots in 32 minutes, helping to close the gap in the fourth quarter with three 3-pointers and 14 points.

While Curry's performance was promising, the team's overall struggles continue. A win could have put them within 1. 5 games of the sixth spot in the West, but the loss pushes them to 3. 5 games back. Missing another opportunity against a team without its best player, the Warriors have more work to do to gain momentum.


    # **Stephen Curry's Return Not Enough as Warriors Fall to Timberwolves**

    **Curry's Impressive Performance**
    - **Points:** 39 in 32 minutes
    - **Shots:** 28 attempts
    - **Key Contributions:** 14 points and three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter

    **Game Highlights**
    - **Final Score:** Warriors 120, Timberwolves 127
    - **Fourth Quarter:** Timberwolves scored 39 points
    - **Warriors' Record:** 13-13

    **Defensive Struggles**
    - **Defensive Rating:** Previously third-best in the NBA
    - **Key Absences:** Draymond Green and Al Horford
    - **Opponent Performance:** Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle combined for 51 points and 23 rebounds

    **Team Performance**
    - **Offensive Ranking:** 22nd in the NBA
    - **Recent Form:** 3 wins in last 5 games without Curry
    - **Standings Impact:** Now 3.5 games back from the sixth spot in the West

    **Conclusion**
    - Curry's return was promising, but the team's inefficiencies and defensive lapses cost them the game.

    

Curry's Return Shines, But Warriors Defense Struggles

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