Klay Thompson, Warriors’ supporting cast hold off Timberwolves

SANFRANCISCO (AP) — So close to a playoff spot in the clogged-upWestern Conference standings, this win meant so much for coachSteve Kerr’s undermanned Golden State Warriors — for manyreasons.

Thedefending NBA champions were down three starters once again, andold stand-by Klay Thompson and newcomer Donte DiVincenzo deliveredon both ends when it mattered most.

Thompsonscored 32 points, including a key 3-pointer with 2:05 to play, andthe Warriors held off the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-104 on Sundayin a matchup of teams fighting neck-and-neck for postseasonpositioning.

“This is ahuge win not only for the standings but for the confidence of theguys,” Kerr said. “That was a team win. Everybody came in there andcompeted and played well.”

DiVincenzoput Golden State ahead for good on a 3 with 3:02 left and finishedwith 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists. He also won a jumpball in the final minute.

Naz Reidscored a career-high 30 points and added nine rebounds forMinnesota, but the Timberwolves have lost three straight and fourof five.

KevonLooney grabbed 17 rebounds and has 13 or more in six consecutivegames. He finished with 12 points, and his career-best sixth gamein a row with double-digit boards was much-needed for a depletedWarriors team.

“I think ithas a huge impact,” Looney said. “I think last year that was one ofour biggest strengths, especially in the playoffs, ourrebounding.”

NickeilAlexander-Walker’s 3-pointer just before the third-quarter buzzerput Minnesota ahead 87-78 going into the final 12 minutes beforethe Warriors rallied behind Thompson. He overcame a slow start toshine late, following up his 42-point gem Friday night in which hematched a season high with 12 3-pointers.

Thompsonmissed five of his first six from deep Sunday. But with injuredSplash Brother Stephen Curry cheering from the bench, Thompson’s 3with 6:11 left got Golden State within 96-92 and then he followedit with a baseline jumper under pressure.

TheWarriors were missing Curry, Draymond Green and Andrew Wigginsagain.

DiVincenzosaid the team found “heart” down the stretch.

“It’s hugefor your confidence,” DiVincenzo said. “So when those big dogs comeback we’re clicking in the second unit.”

Green had asetback with his troublesome right knee and is scheduled foradditional tests.

“It flaredup today, so he will be more thoroughly checked out today by ourmedical staff,” Kerr said before the game. “So it was sort ofunexpected the way he came through treatment yesterday andeverything was looking good, and he had to step back today.”

GoldenState has won 12 straight in the series at home but shot 9 for 24in the first quarter, 1 of 6 by Jordan Poole. The Warriors were 6of 20 from deep in the first half but grabbed a 59-57 advantage atthe break.

BIGHITTERS

Retiredbaseball sluggersBarry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez— aT-Wolves owner — sat together courtside opposite Minnesota’sbench.

Colleague @jchiuAP gotthis nice shot of Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds courtside:pic.twitter.com/FjeizOaSsY

LOONEY ON THE GLASS

Looney has24 games with double-digit rebounds, most for Golden State sinceGreen had 37 in 2015-16. The last Warriors player with 13 or morerebounds in six straight games was Andris Biedrins from Dec. 28,2008, to Jan. 7, 2009.

“We’ve justcome to expect it now. He’s an elite rebounder,” Kerr said.

TIP-INS

Timberwolves: Reid shot 12 for 22 overall and had 18 points in thefirst quarter on 7-for-9 shooting. ... Minnesota C Rudy Gobert issick. F Taurean Prince is out for personal reasons and G JaylenNowell is nursing a left knee injury. ... Minnesota had won twostraight on the road.

Warriors:Curry, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, missed his eighth straight gamewith a left leg injury after getting hurt against Dallas on Feb. 4.... Wiggins sat out a fourth consecutive game while dealing with afamily matter and Kerr isn’t sure when he might return.

UPNEXT

Timberwolves: Visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night tocontinue a four-game California trip.

Warriors:Host the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.