Warriors beat T'Wolves, end five game losing streak

• The Warriors ended a five game losing streak with a win in Minnesota on Saturday night. David Lee returned to the court and played 43 minutes in his first action since Nov. 11. Lee missed eight games in which the Warriors went 1-7. The last three losses against the Nuggets, Rockets, and Grizzlies were close. The Warriors had the opportunity to win, but fell short. Andris Biedrins had the best game of his career last night in Memphis, going 13-15 from the field, on the way to 28 points, 21 rebounds, and only three personal fouls...all for nought.
  
  During this five game skid, the Warriors let opposing teams singe them from the three pint line. Raymond Felton and the Knicks, Al Harrington and the Nuggets, the Rockets, and the Grizzlies all shot the three at a high percentage against the W's.
  
  The Warriors turned the tables Nov. 27 led by Dorell Wright. Wright set a new franchise record for made three's in a game going 9-12. David Lee's presence on the floor helped to clear space on the perimeter. D-Wright cashed in as he striped catch-and-shoot threes all night.
  
  The first half of the game was close, D-Wright's three point shooting was the only thing keeping the Warriors close. Minnesota's bench was outplaying and outscoring the Warriors and the T'Wolves had a three point lead going into the second half. The game was tied with six second to go in the send quarter when Biedrins fouled a three point shooting Kevin Love, who converted all attempts. It was Biedrins' fourth foul and a turning point in the contest.
  
  Dan Gadzuric was called into action in place of Biedrins to start the third quarter. Gadzuric and the team on the floor won the game for the Warriors in that quarter by creating turnovers and collecting points off the T'Wolves giveaways. Monta Ellis finished the game with 26 points and 10 assists. Ellis played all 48 minutes and made seven steals. Ellis set a tone of defensive pressure which sparked that third quarter Warriors run.
  
  While Lee didn't fill up the stat sheets to the extent we know he is capable, his energy was a huge reason the Warriors came away with the win. The Warriors would be in big trouble if they didn't beat the T'Wolves, as the next opponents are the Spurs and Suns at home, then out to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder-all playoff caliber teams.
  
  Key Stats
  
  
• Turnovers: Warriors 11, T'Wolves 22


• FG%: Warriors 50, T'Wolves 39


• Rebounds: Warriors 32, T'Wolves 55


• Free Throws: Warriors 12-18, T'Wolves 25-31


• 3 pt: Warriors 12-18, T'Wolves 5-18

The Warriors were out-rebounded and beaten soundly in the battle of free throws, but tightened up that perimeter defense, scored off steals, and took care of the ball to overcome these deficiencies and get a much needed win on the road.