It may have taken D’Angelo Russell nine games, but on Friday night, he finally arrived as a member of the Golden State Warriors.
Unfortunately, though, his career-high 52 points weren’t enough to help the Dubs to a victory in Minneapolis, as the club fell to the Timberwolves in overtime, 125-119.
Andrew Wiggins led Minnesota with 40 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns turned in a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double.
Despite the loss for the scrappy Warriors, the story of the match was Russell.
After missing the last three games due to a mild ankle sprain, Russell returned to the starting lineup for the Warriors and valiantly scored 14 consecutive points down the stretch of the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the Warriors, some late heroics helped Minnesota force overtime in a game they mostly trailed.
In the end, for Steve Kerr’s team, Friday night’s game was another contest in which they battled, but ultimately fell short.
Eric Paschall (12 points), fouled out with 3:23 remaining in overtime, as Minnesota took control of the game. Alec Burks turned in another strong effort off the bench, scoring 18 points.
The Timberwolves ultimately won the rebounding battle, 59-49, executed better in the overtime period and got some important stops when they needed them.
Russell’s career night, as a result, ended in defeat.
With the loss, the Warriors fall to 2-7 on the season. They’ll travel to Oklahoma City to wrap up their three-game road trip on Saturday night when they battle the Thunder.
