Final
  for this game

Warriors try to inch closer to playoff trip, welcome Wolves

Apr 9, 2013 - 2:49 PM (Sports Network) - The Golden State Warriors failed to clinch a playoff berth their last time out and will try to move closer to that goal Tuesday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves at Oracle Arena.

The Warriors' magic number to clinch their first postseason spot since 2006-07 is two games and they will need a win over the Timberwolves coupled with a Los Angeles Lakers loss to New Orleans to reach the playoffs.

Golden State had won three straight and five of six games until opening a three-game homestand with Sunday's 97-90 loss to Utah. Stephen Curry scored 22 points, Klay Thompson had 20 and David Lee finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds in defeat.

The Jazz used a 27-10 run at one point to erase an early deficit.

"We still control our own situation, which is good, but you don't want to have this feeling again," Curry said. "We've got to get it done and there's no excuse for us not to."

The Warriors are sixth in the West standings, one game ahead of Houston, and own a 26-12 record in Oakland this season. They will also host the Oklahoma City Thunder on the homestand.

Minnesota will begin a three-game road trip Tuesday against the Warriors, Clippers and Jazz, and has won three in a row as the guest.

The Timberwolves, who are just 10-27 away from the Target Center, posted their third win in four tries with Saturday's 107-101 triumph over the Detroit Pistons. Nikola Pekovic scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and J.J. Barea also had 20 to go along with six assists for the Timberwolves, who helped coach Rick Adelman earn the 1,000th victory of his career.

"It's been a tough, tough road with everything going on with our team this year. You don't know how hard it is to win games sometimes. I'm so glad for our players, our fans and our coaching staff," Adelman said. "A lot of games behind us, but could not have been a better support. It's something I never aspired to, never thought about, but I'm glad I got it."

Luke Ridnour made three clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Wolves guard Ricky Rubio had 10 points and is questionable Tuesday because of a sore left shoulder.

Minnesota has lost the first three meetings with Golden State this season, five straight overall in this series and 11 of the last 13 matchups with Golden State.