Timberwolves vs Suns: Edwards’ 44-Point Explosion Leads Wolves to Victory
The Timberwolves vs Suns matchup saw Minnesota extend their dominance with a commanding 116-98 victory on Sunday night. Anthony Edwards returned from suspension in electrifying fashion, dropping 44 points while leading his team to their seventh consecutive win over Phoenix. The Wolves, fighting to solidify their playoff positioning, capitalized on their depth as Julius Randle made his return after a 13-game absence due to injury. The Suns, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with Kevin Durant admitting that they “embarrassed” themselves and their fans. Phoenix’s lackluster effort in the final quarter allowed Minnesota to pull away, leaving the Suns’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Timberwolves vs Suns: Julius Randle’s Return Strengthens Wolves’ Playoff Push
Julius Randle’s return was a much-needed boost for Minnesota, as he contributed 20 points in 34 minutes, helping the Wolves regain momentum after struggling in his absence. His presence added stability alongside Edwards, who continued to prove himself as one of the NBA’s rising superstars. With Donte DiVincenzo also back in the mix, the Wolves are nearing full strength, with only Rudy Gobert still sidelined. This resurgence comes at a crucial time, as the Western Conference playoff race tightens. Coach Chris Finch emphasized the importance of maintaining team chemistry despite changing roles and rotations, a message that resonated with the squad.
Suns Collapse in the Fourth Quarter Against Timberwolves as Turnovers Prove Costly
Despite leading 51-49 at halftime, the Suns fell apart in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they committed nine turnovers and allowed 40 points off giveaways. Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant combined for 14 of Phoenix’s 22 turnovers, leading to easy scoring opportunities for Minnesota. The lack of defensive intensity allowed DiVincenzo to punish them from beyond the arc, draining eight three-pointers en route to 24 points. The Wolves’ suffocating defense and high-energy play exposed Phoenix’s weaknesses, leaving fans frustrated as scattered boos echoed through the arena in the final minutes.
Anthony Edwards Sets New Franchise Three-Point Record
Edwards’ performance wasn’t just about scoring—he also made history, surpassing Malik Beasley as the Timberwolves’ all-time single-season leader in three-pointers. His explosive second half lifted the Wolves after a slow shooting start, proving why he is the franchise’s cornerstone. The star guard also managed to keep his emotions in check, avoiding another technical foul after recently serving a suspension for reaching the league’s limit. However, tensions flared late in the game when Beal committed a flagrant foul on Edwards during an alley-oop attempt, further igniting the Wolves’ competitive fire.
Phoenix’s Playoff Hopes Fading Fast
The Suns’ downward spiral continues, as they have now lost 11 of their last 14 games, dropping to 28-33 on the season. Coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the urgency of their situation, stating that they “have to go on a run” if they hope to salvage their postseason chances. Despite having a star-studded roster, Phoenix has struggled with inconsistency, turnovers, and a lack of defensive effort. With only 21 games remaining, the Suns must find answers quickly or risk missing the playoffs altogether. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s dominant showing signals that they are ready to make a serious push for a top-six seed in the Western Conference.
