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Warriors wallop Timberwolves

Mar 4, 2009 - 6:07 AM MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- It usually isn't a good idea to have two players try and outscore the opposition in the NBA. So, it was no surprise that it didn't work for the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

The Warriors doubled up the Timberwolves in the first quarter en route to a 118-94 victory.

Golden State scored 36 points in the opening 12 minutes as Minnesota posted only 18, including the first five of the game. The Warriors spread the wealth while the only Timberwolves players to score in the first 11:45 were Kevin Love and Ryan Gomes.

"Well, that was about as bad as you can play," Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale said. "There is no excuses for it. This one's is my fault. They were not prepared to play and that falls on me. We didn't compete tonight and that can't happen.

"We didn't compete, we didn't move the ball, we couldn't score, we drove to the basket and threw (stuff) up on the board, we didn't get fouled, we didn't do anything."

Randy Foye finally hit a jumper as time wore down in the quarter to make a mark in the scoring column.

The Warriors kept the beatdown going in the second quarter, enjoying a 30-19 advantage for a 66-37 lead at intermission.

"We were moving the ball well," Warriors guard Jamal Crawford said. "We passed up good shots for great shots. It's a lot of fun when we play like that and when we do teams have their hands full with us."

The Timberwolves attempted to make a decent showing in the second half. They cut the deficit by 10 points in the third quarter and actually were within 103-89 at one point in the fourth quarter.

Golden State then went on an 8-0 run to end any dreams Minnesota had of a miracle comeback.

Stephen Jackson led six players in double figures with 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists for Golden State, which won on the road for the first time since January 30 at New Orleans.

"We played better defense in the first half. We were aggressive and got some steals," Corey Maggette said. "(Jackson) is the key to this team. Not only his scoring, but his passing too and also rebounding. He doesn't get the credit he should."

Rookie Kevin Love had a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds for Minnesota, which has lost seven in a row.

"We didn't bring any energy. We have to find ways to compete," Mike Miller said. "We've got 20 games left and we can't play like this for 20 more games.

"This was the first time we haven't competed. And it better be the last."