Golden State Warriors suffer four new injuries in Timberwolves defeat
The Golden State Warriors suffered a fourth consecutive defeat and lost four more players to injury during a 127-117 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
Head coach Steve Kerr watched his side fall further down the Western Conference standings on a damaging night in San Francisco.
Draymond Green was withdrawn shortly before tip-off with back soreness, triggering a cascade of physical setbacks for the hosts.
Veteran duo Al Horford and Seth Curry subsequently left the court with calf and adductor issues respectively, while second-year center Quinten Post sprained an ankle.
“We’re going through it,” said Kerr. “We’re about as beaten up as any team I can ever remember.”
Play-off hopes fading
The latest casualty list compounds a miserable period for the seven-time NBA champions, who are already missing two pivotal figures.
Jimmy Butler was ruled out for the season with a torn ACL in January, whilst talisman Stephen Curry has been sidelined since late last month with a persistent knee problem.
Without their primary playmaker, the franchise has managed just five victories in 16 outings to drop to a 32-34 record.
They now sit two games behind the Los Angeles Clippers in the race for the eighth Western Conference play-off seed.
Edwards stars despite fitness doubts
Kerr confirmed Horford’s injury is a calf strain that will require a period of rehabilitation, though Green’s back problem is not thought to be severe.
This mounting crisis coincides with a daunting six-game road trip, commencing against the New York Knicks on Sunday.
One minor positive for the depleted hosts was a 20-point contribution from recently acquired centre Kristaps Porzingis.
However, the severely outmanned home side could not contain an inspired Anthony Edwards.
The Minnesota guard overcame pre-game fitness doubts to register 42 points, aiming playful banter at the sidelined Stephen Curry throughout the contest.
“Love Steph, to me he is the greatest point guard,” said Edwards. “If he’s not playing, I talk a little trash to him on the side.”