Game Recap: Anthony Edwards and Timberwolves too much for Suns, Minnesota takes Game 1, 120-95

The Phoenix Suns suffered a 120 to 95 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference Quarter Finals.

After going back and forth to start, the Timberwolves pulled away in the last couple minutes of the first half, and Phoenix never could recover.

Minnesota employed the best player today, and Phoenix didn’t. Anthony Edwards put on an offensive masterclass in the second half, scoring X points including 18 in the third quarter. The Timberwolves dominated the Valley on the boards, helping them outrebound Phoenix 52 to 28. Royce O’Neale was the lone Suns’ reserve to score in non-garbage time minutes.

Energy and turnovers, typical Phoenix problems, were not major issues today. Minnesota controlled the tempo and the physicality and it led them to victory.

This loss marks a third straight Game One loss for the Suns.

Game Flow

First Half

Both teams started the game playing a physical and methodical brand of basketball. From the broadcast, the Minnesota crowd appeared energetic and boisterous. Kevin Durant had nine of the Suns’ 11 first points and Jusuf Nurkić held his ground early against the likely Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Neither Grayson Allen nor Bradley Beal attempted a shot. Minnesota had six different players score in the first quarter.

At the end of one, Phoenix led Minnesota 28-27.

The first-half tempo was a physical, slow, and gritty environment that favored the Timberwolves, and their 21 bench points in the first half diversified their scoring options. Nickeil Alexander-Walker gave Minnesota a strong first two quarters, scoring 12 points.

Both teams looked frustrated with the officiating, and neither squad could secure a sizable lead until Minnesota took a 51-41 lead late in the second quarter. Nothing looked easy. Kevin Durant’s iconic midrange jumper was falling, but with defenders consistently smothering him. Anthony Edwards made his presence felt but had four turnovers. Minnesota took advantage of Phoenix’s lack of size.

Fans at the Target Center were making overrated chants at Kevin Durant.

At the end of the second quarter, the Suns trailed 61-51. Durant led all scorers with 18 points, but Minnesota had three players in double figures and put up seven more shots in large part to their 13 rebound advantage over Phoenix.

Second Half

Kevin Durant started the third quarter how he started the first quarter, blazing hot. The Slim Reaper had a fast 10 points in the first six minutes of the second half. Devin Booker remained unable to find his rhythm.

Grayson Allen followed a hard collision with Karl Anthony-Towns with a trip to the locker room, he did not return.

Minnesota’s defense continued to pester Phoenix, making it difficult for them to make up ground. Frank Vogel took a timeout with 2:32 left in the third when Minnesota went up 13.

The Suns needed answers for Anthony Edwards when they had none. The NBA All-Star made a myriad of impressive jumpers.

36 minutes down, the Suns trailed 92-72.

The Timberwolves prevented any threat of a Phoenix run in the fourth quarter, cruising their way to a 1-0 series lead.

Kevin Durant finished with 31, and Bradley Beal had 18. Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 33.

Up Next

Game two is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Arizona Time on Tuesday. Another loss and the Suns’ margin of error becomes significantly slimmer. Devin Booker needs to play better, the Suns need to rebound better, and Eric Gordon and Drew Eubanks need to bring more on offense off the bench for the Suns to tie the series.