With Warriors downfall, Wolves end atop NBA preseason perfectly
By Bret Stuter
The Golden State Warriors were not competing against the Minnesota Timberwolves (5-0) directly. But when the Warriors (4-0) stepped onto the basketball court for their fifth and final preseason game to host the San Antonio Spurs (2-2), they were competing with the Timberwolves indirectly.
You see, the Warriors needed to defeat the Spurs in their final preseason contest to match the Timberwolves’ 2023 preseason record with five wins and no losses. Going undefeated may not give the Timberwolves any jumpstart to the 2023-24 NBA season, but it is a small accolade nonetheless. One that would diminish a bit in its luster if the Warriors were able to join the Timberwolves with a perfect preseason.
But, as is often the case, the San Antonio Spurs, led by star rookie center Victor Wembanyama, had different plans.
Here’s why the Wolves won’t share their perfect preseason perch
The San Antonio Spurs (3-2) jumped out early in this one, but it was not until Spurs guard Devin Vassell nailed a 27-foot three-point jumper with just under 8:00 remaining in the first quarter that put the Spurs out in front for good. From that point, Spurs rookie Wembanyama took over and scored the next 10 points for the Spurs, and in the game, to set his team up with a 10-point lead with just over five minutes remaining in Q1.
Wembanyama would finish the game leading all scorers with 19 points, but chipping in five blocks, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal as well.
Former Timberwolves power forward Dario Saric was one of the few bright spots for the Golden State Warriors (4-1), scoring 17 points as well as adding two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in a losing effort.
All 30 NBA teams must pare their roster down to the 15-man limit by Monday, October 23, 2023. Teams may also carry up to three players on Two-Way contracts this season. The Minnesota Timberwolves currently have one open roster slot remaining. Will the Timberwolves front office fill the final roster spot this weekend?
Stay tuned . . .
Why not check out these other Minnesota Timberwolves articles as well:
- How do you grade these 8 Timberwolves players as preseason winds down?
- Shake Milton cements Wolves role as he knocks Knicks around
- Wolves waive 1, convert promising PG from Exh-10 to 2-Way contract
- 2 young rising stars gore Bulls, set the stage for solid Wolves 2023-24 season
- RED HOT: The Wolves front office makes final cuts to Timberwolves roster: Who goes? Who stays? And a revised Timberwolves depth chart
- Naz Reid: Timberwolves investment that is already paying huge dividends