San Francisco — Stephen Curry made a striking return to the hardwood on Friday night, racking up 39 points in just 32 minutes of play. However, his impressive performance was not enough to steer the Golden State Warriors to victory, as they fell 127-120 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were notably without star player Anthony Edwards. This defeat marks a continued struggle for the Warriors, dropping their record to 13-13.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed frustration over the game’s outcome, particularly regarding the defensive lapses in the fourth quarter. The team surrendered an alarming 39 points in that final frame, showcasing vulnerabilities that have plagued their season thus far.

Before Curry’s return, the Warriors had shown resilience, holding four of their last five opponents to under 100 points and emerging victorious in three of those contests. They entered the matchup with a solid defensive ranking, but the absence of Draymond Green, who has been away for personal reasons, and Al Horford’s lingering sciatica issues left the team vulnerable inside. The Timberwolves capitalized on this, with Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle combining for 51 points and 23 boards.

“Draymond and Al bring a unique presence,” Curry acknowledged after the game. “Without them, we had to adapt, but we couldn’t quite figure it out in crucial moments.”

The Warriors have struggled offensively as well, ranking 22nd in the league in offensive efficiency. While Curry’s return adds a much-needed spark, the team faces significant challenges ahead in tightening their offense and trading missed opportunities for wins.

In his highly anticipated comeback, Curry began strong, netting 10 points in a brief eight-minute burst and displaying his signature shooting style with six rapid attempts. The Warriors opted for a tailored rehabilitation approach, having Curry skip a recent three-game road trip to focus on recovery with a scrimmage expected to enhance his readiness for this game.

Kerr noted Curry’s dynamic movement and responsiveness while on the floor. “He looked fantastic,” Kerr stated. “After his first shift, he had that spark back, and you could see he was feeling good.”

Despite trailing by double digits late in the game, Curry ignited the team with three three-pointers, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter alone. “It felt good to be back out there,” Curry remarked. “I’m getting my rhythm back and starting to feel like myself again.”

However, the loss meant the Warriors missed a crucial chance to close in on the Timberwolves, now trailing them by three-and-a-half games. The defeat underscored the difficult road ahead for a squad in search of cohesion and consistency as they continue to navigate a challenging season.