In a dynamic showdown on Wednesday night, the Phoenix Suns triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a decisive 133-115 victory, underlined by the return of Devin Booker from injury and the consistent excellence of Kevin Durant. This game was particularly significant for the Suns as they continue to anticipate the moment when all three of their All-Stars will share the court.
Booker, who had been out for five games due to a strained right calf, marked his return by scoring 31 points. The expectation for this game was the debut of the Suns’ All-Star trio – Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal – playing together for the first time this season. However, Beal was ruled out at the last minute with a sore back, delaying the much-awaited combination.
Despite Beal’s absence, the Suns demonstrated their depth and resilience. Booker, on his return, shot an impressive 12-of-22 from the field, contributing five assists and four rebounds. Durant, matching Booker’s scoring, demonstrated why he’s considered one of the game’s greats by making 11 of his 15 shots.
The Suns took control from the outset, establishing a six-point lead after the first quarter, which ballooned to 22 points by halftime and further extended to a 28-point advantage by the final quarter. Their shooting was remarkably efficient, hitting 60% from the field and 55% from the three-point range, effectively challenging the Timberwolves’ defense.
Supporting the lead duo, Eric Gordon scored 15 points, Grayson Allen added 14, and Drew Eubanks contributed 13, including a notable dunk over Karl-Anthony Towns. Durant praised Booker’s return, highlighting the energy and pace he brought back to the team.
On the Timberwolves side, Karl-Anthony Towns led with 25 points on his 28th birthday. However, the team struggled overall, especially in their three-point shooting, managing only a 5-of-27 success rate. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch admitted his team’s inability to contain the Suns or establish a strong defensive game.
The Timberwolves’ performance came after an emotionally charged game against the Golden State Warriors, where an altercation escalated to the ejections of Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels. Draymond Green’s involvement in the incident led to a notable five-game suspension by the NBA, a development that added another layer of intensity to the Timberwolves’ week.
Mike Conley of the Timberwolves, addressing their performance against the Suns, emphasized that the team needed to play with more force and focus from the beginning, acknowledging that they took too long to find their rhythm in the game.
The Phoenix Suns’ victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves not only showcased their offensive strength and depth but also highlighted the Timberwolves’ struggles in maintaining consistency, particularly following challenging and emotionally intense games.