By Ben Leonard
Follow @ben___leonard
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photo credit San Francisco Chronicle: Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson knows it’s foregone conclusion in the closing seconds of Golden State’s ninth loss

The Warriors’ quest for the NBA all-time wins record just took a major blow. Just when you’d have thought the Warriors (69-9) would have stood up strong, they fell flat on their faces in a crushing 124-117 loss to the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves (26-52).

Coming into Tuesday, Golden State had to win just four out of its five remaining games to break the ’95-’96 Bulls’ record of 72 wins, but after the loss are faced with the task of winning out to shatter the mark. Phenom Andrew Wiggins lead the way for Minnesota, scoring 32 points on 11 of 19 shooting and forcing 6 steals.

It most disheartening thing for Golden State was that it seemed like the Warriors were going to roll over the Timberwolves and coast to a relatively easy win. They had an nine point lead heading into the second half, a position in which they’ve thrived.

Stephen Curry was facilitating the offense, scoring just two points in the first but dishing out 10 assists, many of them to Harrison Barnes, who had 18 points in the first. They reversed roles in the second half, as Curry finished with 21 and Barnes with 20, but it wasn’t enough in the end.

The Timberwolves proceeded to take over in the fourth quarter, making the Warriors fold in a close game, not something that they’ve often done. Heading into Saturday, they had won 12 of 14 games decided by 5 points or less — now it’s 12 of 15. Minnesota dominated overtime and the fourth, outscoring Golden State by a combined fifteen points.

Now the Warriors are faced with the tall task of beating the Spurs — and the Grizzlies — twice if they want to officially become the best team in NBA history. Yes, it was a classic trap game, with San Antonio next on the slate, but they’re going to have to take it up a notch. Or three.