Saturday, Jan. 03, 2009

Warriors go cold in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS -- With the biggest collapse in franchise history fresh in their minds, the Minnesota Timberwolves finally figured out how to close a game -- at the expense of the Golden State Warriors.

Three days after surrendering a 29-point lead in the final 22 minutes of a loss to Dallas, Al Jefferson had 32 points and 10 rebounds to lead Minnesota to a 115-108 win over the Warriors on Friday.

Stephen Jackson had 25 points and seven assists, and Andris Biedrins had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the short-handed Warriors.

Golden State played without forward Brandan Wright (sprained wrist) and Corey Maggette (hamstring), who missed his 15th straight game.

The Wolves led by seven after three quarters, and a 10-3 run that Jefferson ended with a layup made it 101-89 with 6:21 to play.

Given the Wolves' struggles at holding leads, this was far from over. In its last game with Golden State, Minnesota led by 10 in the final seven minutes, but the Warriors used a 27-7 run to win it in overtime.

Jackson's jumper from just inside the 3-point line cut Minnesota's lead to seven with 3:16 to play. But Jefferson hit two free throws to keep it from getting too close.

The Warriors have had struggles of their own. They endured a nine-game losing streak earlier in the year and lost 14 of 16 at one point.

Golden State has beaten Boston, Denver and Portland this year, but has now lost to Oklahoma City and Minnesota in back-to-back games.

"Guys have to kind of look themselves in the mirror to figure out what we have to do together to win these games, especially on this road trip," Jackson said.

Golden State is tied for first in the NBA in second-chance points, third in points in the paint and fourth in offensive rebounds. But Minnesota outscored the Warriors 52-42 inside, 17-16 in second-chance points and 23-5 in transition.

"We've got to get some consistency going. Guys have to grow up fast," Jackson said. "Guys have to get their stuff going and stop looking at the next person to do this. Everybody has to be accountable."