PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns aren’t easing into the first Emirates NBA Cup game of the season; they’re diving headfirst into a test of resilience and depth. Tonight, they host the Minnesota Timberwolves, teams with two even records and a star with takeover capability.
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Nov 18, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) goes up for a dunk past Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Dillon Brooks working on dribbling drills before Friday night’s matchup against Minnesota.
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The Suns will still be without Jalen Green and Grayson Allen, and that kind of roster disruption could rattle most teams, but Phoenix plans to win the game firing with the help of guys like Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin. Their efficiency underscores a deeper truth that this isn’t just about managing absence; it’s about proving a point that if Phoenix has good play from their point guards, they can contend with anybody.
Nov 13, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) dribbles during the second half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
This matchup has strategic weight. It’s not just an in-season Emirates NBA Cup game; it could signal whether the Suns’ bench and complementary scorers are capable of shouldering major minutes. They will face a tough task as Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards leads his squad into the desert tonight. Edwards currently is averaging 25.2 points per game and is slowly becoming one of the biggest threats in the NBA.
Devin Booker working on his mid range during pregame vs Minnesota. Book looks locked in early.
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— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) November 22, 2025
Nov 13, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Emotionally, this is a moment of affirmation. Suns fans have buzzed about their stars, but true buy-in comes when role players step up under pressure. Nationally, it’s a signal of how Phoenix can build beyond its core, and how they are following the blueprints of teams that are successful, like the Oklahoma City Thunder. Locally, it defines whether this season’s promise is more than hype for Suns fans, and if they can show the determination to take over and keep pushing when it matters.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
