NBA roundup: Golden State heats up while Gobert faces ejection

San Francisco, California - The 2022-23 NBA season is getting interesting as the Golden State Warriors found their footing in a dominant game while the Minnesota Timberwolves suffered the loss of one of their star athletes due to ejection.

Steph Curry (r) and Andrew Wiggins led the Golden State Warriors to victory on Saturday night.
Steph Curry (r) and Andrew Wiggins led the Golden State Warriors to victory on Saturday night.  © EZRA SHAW / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry piled on the points as the Golden State Warriors improved to a 12-11 record with a 120-101 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday.

Wiggins scored a season-high 36 points on 14-of-19 field shooting with a joint career-high eight three-pointers, including three in a row in the third quarter at the Chase Center.

Curry added 30 points, including eight triples, as well as providing 10 assists for Golden State, who have won five of their past six games.

Coach Kerr and the Warriors agree to record-setting contract extension
NBA Coach Kerr and the Warriors agree to record-setting contract extension

Jordan Poole, who came into the starting line-up for Klay Thompson who was rested, also had 21 points with five three-pointers. Center Kevon Looney had 12 rebounds with nine points.

The Warriors shot 25-of-52 from three-point range as a team, compared to the Rockets who went at 10.7 per cent from beyond the arc, making three-of-28 attempts.

Golden State became the second team in NBA history to make 20 three-pointers in four of five games.

Gobert ejected in Timberwolves defeat

Rudy Gobert was ejected during the Timberwolves' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Rudy Gobert was ejected during the Timberwolves' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.  © David Berding / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Rudy Gobert was ejected for deliberately tripping Kenrich Williams as the Minnesota Timberwolves were beaten 135-128 by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The French center was given a flagrant 2 foul and ejected in the second quarter when he tangled with Williams, appearing to sweep a leg out while on the ground, causing his unbalanced opponent to tumble.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was OKC's top scorer with 33 points and six assists, while for the Timberwolves, who were already without Karl-Anthony Towns (calf), D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards scored 27 and 26 points respectively.

Short-handed Bucks down Hornets

The Milwaukee Bucks overcame the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo due to left knee soreness as they moved to 16-6 with a 105-96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

The Bucks, who are second in the Eastern Conference, were also without Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday but Bobby Portis (20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists) stepped up.

Jordan Nwora added 17 points, while Brook Lopez (14 points including three three-pointers and six rebounds) and Jevon Carter (14 points and six assists) were strong contributors.

Cover photo: EZRA SHAW / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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