Concluding what was arguably the most disappointing season in Suns’ history, Anthony Edwards capped off a sweep of Phoenix at the Footprint Center, leading the Timberwolves to a 122-116 victory with 40 points.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Suns were swept for the first time since 1999, and the Timberwolves picked up their first playoff series win since 2004.
Despite a tight contest throughout the night, standout performances from Devin Booker and Kevin Durant were insufficient to keep the Suns’ playoff hopes alive. In the 3rd quarter, Booker and Durant combined for 29 of Phoenix’s 31 points without missing a shot, giving the Suns a slim two-point lead as they entered the final 12 minutes.
However, the game unraveled in the 4th quarter. After committing only five turnovers all night, Phoenix faltered with seven turnovers in the final 12 minutes. Bradley Beal, who fouled out with less than two minutes remaining, was responsible for several costly errors.
Following comments that he is determined to never face a sweep in his life, Beal shot 4-13 from the field and turned the ball over six times. The Suns faced a -12 deficit while Beal was on the court.
As the game came down to the wire, the Suns struggled to find any rhythm. Josh Okogie missed crucial free throws, questionable fouls were made, and the Timberwolves capitalized on several second-chance points.
These errors overshadowed a playoff career-high 49 points from Booker, with Durant adding 33 points. Phoenix deeply felt the absence of Grayson Allen, managing only 10 three-pointers and struggling to contend with Minnesota’s size, losing the rebound battle 42-31.
Minnesota only shot 23.8% from the field in the first quarter, yet the Suns could only muster a one-point lead, exemplifying just how outmatched they were throughout the series.
Anthony Edwards’ 16 points in the final quarter sealed the deal. Edwards ended the game with 40 points to his name.
