Slam Dunk Central

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The Minnesota Timberwolves cannot seem to catch a break lately; but then again, their opponent Tuesday night was the Golden State Warriors, winners of 4 of their past 5 games.? so much for Minnesota winning number 6 this season; the Warriors’ Stephen Jackson had a good shooting night and a good overall effort by Baron Davis elevated Golden State to the win over Minnesota 105-98 at the Target Center.

The Warriors shot fairly well, going into halftime leading Minnesota 56-44; but the T-Wolves trimmed a 14-point Warrior lead to 62-58 halfway through the third quarter when Ryan Gomes hit a jumper to cap a 10-0 run.? But Golden State responded with a 21-6 explosion; Davis hit a 3-pointer with 5.4 seconds left in the period, then stole the ball and threw a lob to Matt Barnes for a basket just before the period ended, giving the Warriors an 83-66 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Golden State got a bit sloppy in the final period, making just 3 of their first 15 shots, allowing Minnesota to reduce the Warriors lead to 96-92 with 3:26 to play; but the Warriors’ Jackson made a trey, then converted a steal into a layup which iced the game for Golden State.? Golden State had 6 players in double-digits, led by Davis with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 5 steals.? Jackson added 21, while Monta Ellis chipped in with 17 and 4 assists.

Minnesota was led by Antoine Walker with 26 points - including 4 treys - and 10 rebounds from off the bench; Al Jefferson had a solid game with 18 and 14 rebounds, while Gomes poured in 15 in a losing effort.? Golden State (23-16) now travels to Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night, while Minnesota (5-32) flies to Arizona to take on the Phoenix Suns Friday night.