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Suns Crushing Timberwolves 76-54 at Halftime in Devin Booker Return

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Phoenix Suns (4-6) rode a monster offensive half in the return of Devin Booker to a 76-54 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-2) at halftime.

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In what was supposed to be the debut of the Big 3 for the Suns, Bradley Beal was a late scratch for Phoenix due to his low back spasms, which have lingered throughout the year.

However, Booker still made his return from a calf strain after missing the last five games. Phoenix elected to start Gordon, Allen, Durant and Nurkić alongside Booker to give them more spacing offensively.

Phoenix entered this game having dropped two straight and being the worst fourth quarter team in the league. On the other hand, the Timberwolves entered having won seven straight and as the NBA’s No. 1 defense.

The Suns did have two days of rest, while the Timberwolves beat the Warriors in a very close contest last night.

First Quarter

Right away, we saw the impact of what Booker could bring, as he assisted Allen for a wide-open three. Then, he made the Suns’ next two buckets, a three and then a two. Booker ended up making his first four shots and had nine points in the first five minutes. He scored or assisted on Phoenix’s first 14 points. Booker was then subbed out with 6:35 due to his minutes restriction for Josh Okogie.

However, the Timberwolves started off getting anything they wanted on offense early, easily driving into the paint on several occasions. Karl Anthony-Towns had eight 10 points making four of his first five shots. At this 6:35 mark, the Suns led 14-12.

Okogie came into tonight having missed twelve straight threes, however, he connected on back-to-back triples right away when he got onto the floor to increase the Suns’ lead.

Kevin Durant then chipped in seven points of his own, and everyone started getting rolling. Pretty soon, the Suns were up 32-18 with three minutes left in the first with a 15-2 run.

Towns snapped this run by the Suns with 2:50 left on a layup, and the Suns subbed Booker back in on the next possession for Durant, leading 32-20.

Booker did not pick up where he started, missing his next three baskets. Minnesota took advantage on the offensive end with a 9-1 run. Booker snapped this run with two free throws with two seconds left. The Suns led 35-29 after one quarter.

Booker had 11 points and two assists for the Suns, while Towns had 14 points for the Wolves.

Phoenix shot over 63% from the floor and 50% from deep, meanwhile Minnesota shot only 1-of-7 (14.3%) from three.

Second Quarter

Phoenix continued its hot shooting heading into the second, connecting on eight of its first 11 shots. Drew Eubanks even got in on the hot shooting from deep with a three-pointer, his first of the season.

The Suns opened a 11-3 run to start the quarter until the 9:04 mark. Booker had four of these points, while Eubanks had five.

Booker started this quarter without Durant, but KD checked in at this 9:04 point and continued what the Suns’ started. Phoenix led 56-36 with six minutes to go in the half.

The Wolves responded with an 8-2 run led by Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards.

Durant and Booker were next on the floor together in the final four minutes, which started with the Suns leading 63-48.

Booker found Okogie right away for an easy triple, his third make on three tries from deep.

The two stars helpoed the Suns continue to apply pressure on the Timberwolves, and the Suns led 76-54 at the half.

They outscored the Wolves 41-25 in the second.

In total, the Suns shot a remarkable 63% from the floor and 58.8% from deep.Booker had 19 points, four assists and three rebounds. Durant had 17 points, five rebounds and four assists.

They were two of four Suns to score in double figures. Phoenix, which entered tonight ranked 28th in the league in turnovers, also only turned the ball over three times.

Pretty impressive to do against an elite defense.

Will the Suns be able to sustain this lead into the second half?

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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau

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