In San Francisco, Anthony Edwards took over in the third quarter to leave Minnesota needing just one more win over Golden State to book their place in the Western Conference finals.
Edwards finished with 30 points, with an electrifying burst of scoring in the third quarter that saw Minnesota rattle in 17 unanswered points to open up a decisive 85-68 lead.
Minnesota led by 20 points heading into the fourth quarter and never looked like surrendering that advantage as it closed out a win that means they can seal passage to the Western Conference finals with victory in game five in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
The Warriors’ offence continued to struggle in the absence of the long-range shooting threat offered by the injured Stephen Curry, once again a frustrated spectator on the sidelines.
The Timberwolves rattled in 16-of-34 three-pointers compared to the Warriors, who ended with just eight threes.
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Edwards said a half-time dressing down by Minnesota coach Chris Finch had sparked the second half onslaught.
“We came out like we had won the series already, and when we went in at half-time coach said we were playing like losers,” Edwards said.
“He told me I wasn’t defending at a high level, and needed to do better offensively, so in the second half I tried to do that.”