In Shocking Fashion, Timberwolves Take Down Suns in Game One
Photo Credit: Abbie Parr, Associated Press Photo
The Minnesota Timberwolves(56-26) took down the Phoenix Suns(49-33) by a score of 120-95, according to ESPN. The win was shocking considering the talent of the Suns’ roster, boasting players such as Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker.
The win can be attributed to the Timberwolves continued NBA Season success. The Timberwolves captured the third seed in the West, beating out other loaded Western teams such as the Mavericks, Lakers, and Warriors for the position. The matchup against the Suns was expected to be a difficult one, with Kevin Durant having extended experience playing postseason basketball and Devin Booker having played in an NBA Finals Series just three seasons ago.
Photo Credit: Jesse Johnson, USA Today
The Suns, however, ultimately looked lost in their first game with the Timberwolves. Though Kevin Durant posted 31 in the game, The Suns shot a mere 44% from the field and 32.1% from three, proving to be insufficient to take down the Timberwolves. Kevin Durant seemed to be the only offense for Phoenix for the night, seeing as Booker and Beal combined for 33 points according to Pro Basketball Reference, just two points more than Durant’s effort. To make a deep postseason run, the Suns will raise their expectations from the star-studded roster, seeing as Booker and Beal’s production was simply not enough to compete with that of the Wolves.
Photo Credit: Jesse Johnson, USA Today
On the other side of the ball, the Minnesota Timberwolves rode their anticipated home-field advantage into a hot shooting night, as the Wolves converted on 50% of their field goals and 37.5% of their three-point tries, according to ESPN. Anthony Edwards scored 33 of the Wolves’ 120 points, being the only scorer on the team with above 20 points. While Rudy Gobert only put up 14 points, his 16 rebounds were crucial in making sure the ball didn’t end up in the hands of the Suns’ offensive stars. Karl-Anthony Towns added in 19 points, and though his offensive production was not on par to his usual rate, his recent return from injury could be a possible explanation for Towns settling back into his game.
Photo Credit: Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune
If the Timberwolves can feed on the energy of their young, hungry players, the Timberwolves have the potential to take down the Suns quickly, advancing to the second round of the playoffs and proving a difficult team to match up against.
