Porzingis progresses, but Warriors lose Horford, three others vs. Timberwolves

SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors took one step forward and four back.Kristaps Porzingis debuted in the starting lineup, played arguably his best game yet and seems to have turned a corner in his battle with the “mysterious” illness that had kept him sidelined.Still, there was nothing to celebrate in the Golden State locker room after another four players left injured Friday night in their 127-117 loss to Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.“We’re about as beaten up as any team I can ever remember,” coach Steve Kerr said.Even small wins come with more losses these days in Warriors World.Draymond Green was ruled out an hour before tipoff.Al Horford played the first five minutes and didn’t return.

Golden State finished the game with eight healthy players after Seth Curry and Quinten Post were forced to leave early, too.It made containing Edwards, who feasted for 42 points, an impossible task.And didn’t leave much appetite to appreciate Porzingis’ 20 points in 19 minutes, second only to Brandin Podizemski, who finished with 25.“Kristaps seems to be getting more and more comfortable,” Kerr said.

“I thought he looked better tonight physically than the other night.Hopefully that’ll continue to build.”The game was the third Porzingis has played out of the Warriors’ past four after missing 10 of his first 11.

Before tipoff Kerr said Porzingis was “finding some answers” to remain on the court.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!Porzingis posted up at the free-throw line, he played a little two-man game with Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton, and “really start(ed) to find a rhythm,” Kerr said.Porzingis said he still had “a ways to go” but was “happy with the p...