With Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves in the books, NBA analysts and fans are calling out the Suns for complaining about the ‘Wolves’ physicality.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A legendary voice in the Valley, former Suns play-by-play announcer Al McCoy spoke on the radio with Arizona Sports about the team and how their reactions to foul or non-foul calls are going nowhere since it is the playoffs.
“Can I say two words to the Suns players this morning? Stop crying, this is the playoffs,” McCoy said. “This is for the big boys. When you think you’re fouled, get out there and be aggressive. Let’s see some of that aggressiveness, just stop crying on every call. You are not going to get calls, we all know that scenario. We are not going to talk about the officiating, just play as physical as [a game] has to be played.”
"Stop crying."
Al McCoy joined @Bickley_Marotta and had one thing to relay to the Suns after their Game 1 loss.
Al About the Suns is driven by Sanderson Ford. pic.twitter.com/WWIabkod0f
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) April 22, 2024
Winning 120-95, the Timberwolves’ size and elite defending were on display in Game 1, heightening the level of frustration from the Suns on both ends of the court. Minnesota committed 24 fouls but heavily outrebounded Phoenix 52-28.
On almost every possession, the ‘Wolves presented a sense of urgency and desire to push the pace, not letting the Suns grab a stranglehold of the game. During the regular season, Phoenix did beat Minnesota all three times they faced each other.
Some Phoenix players voiced their displeasure with the officials in regards to calls not going their way. Since playoff games mean so much and have a different tempo, however, the referees are going to let things go and not take too much control of how things play out.
After getting a taste of what to expect in the series moving forward, the Suns will be more prepared and aware of how Minnesota will try to overpower them defensively and physically.
We will find out what Phoenix learned from Game 1 as Game 2 between both teams tips off at 4:30 p.m. PT on Tuesday.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
