The Minnesota Timberwolves set the tone for their playoff run with a commanding 120-95 victory over the Phoenix Suns. This win in the first round of the NBA playoffs marks a significant milestone for the Timberwolves, highlighting their potential to make a deep run this season.
Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves West – First Round Game 1 Information
| Date | April 20, 2024 |
| Location | Target Center Minneapolis MN |
| Officials | Marc Davis, Ben Taylor, Aaron Smith, Ashley Moyer-Gleich |
| Attendance | 19,478 |
Anthony Edwards’ Stellar Performance
Anthony Edwards was the star of the night, scoring 18 of his 33 points in the third quarter alone. His explosive performance not only boosted the Timberwolves’ lead but also energized the entire team. Edwards’ ability to score in bursts and his dynamic playstyle were critical in securing this crucial win.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Contribution
Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points to the Timberwolves’ tally. His consistent scoring and presence in the paint provided a solid foundation for the team. Towns’ ability to perform under pressure and contribute both offensively and defensively was key to the Timberwolves’ success.
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Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s Impact
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was another standout player, scoring 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting. His performance included several key plays that turned the tide in favor of the Timberwolves. Alexander-Walker’s ability to step up in crucial moments added depth to the team’s offensive arsenal.
Rudy Gobert’s Defensive Dominance
Rudy Gobert was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end. He recorded 14 points, 16 rebounds, and consistently altered shots in the paint. Gobert’s defensive presence was instrumental in limiting the Suns’ scoring opportunities and securing rebounds.
The Timberwolves’ Historic Win
This victory was historic for the Timberwolves, marking their first Game 1 home win in the playoffs in 20 years. The excitement was palpable, with fans showing finals-level energy and support. This win sets a positive tone for the rest of the series and boosts the team’s confidence.
Phoenix Suns’ Struggles
Despite a strong performance from Kevin Durant, who scored 31 points on 11-for-17 shooting, the Suns struggled to keep up with the Timberwolves. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal contributed 18 and 15 points, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap. The Suns were outmatched in terms of depth and size, which was evident in the rebounding and scoring statistics.
Team Comparison
The Timberwolves’ advantages in size and depth were clear in this game. They outrebounded the Suns 52-28 and outscored them 52-34 in the paint. These stats highlight the Timberwolves’ dominance in crucial areas and their ability to capitalize on the Suns’ weaknesses.
Key Moments in the Game
One of the pivotal moments in the game was Edwards’ 19-4 run to close the third quarter. His dynamic plays, including a memorable steal from Durant followed by a slam dunk, were game-changers. These moments not only widened the lead but also demoralized the Suns.
Player Highlights
Edwards’ steal and slam in the final minutes of the game was a highlight reel moment. It showcased his athleticism and determination. Alexander-Walker’s interception of a stray pass by Allen in the lane was another critical play that contributed to the Timberwolves’ victory.
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Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves Match Player Stats
Phoenix Suns Players Stats
| PLAYER | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3:00 PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS | +/- |
| Grayson AllenF | 25:12:00 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 100 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -6 |
| Kevin DurantF | 38:42:00 | 11 | 17 | 64.7 | 2 | 2 | 100 | 7 | 9 | 77.8 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 31 | -20 |
| Jusuf NurkicC | 26:38:00 | 4 | 6 | 66.7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 | -1 |
| Bradley BealG | 37:17:00 | 6 | 10 | 60 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 2 | 3 | 66.7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 15 | -9 |
| Devin BookerG | 37:45:00 | 5 | 16 | 31.3 | 2 | 6 | 33.3 | 6 | 6 | 100 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 18 | -15 |
| Royce O’Neale | 26:03:00 | 5 | 10 | 50 | 4 | 8 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 14 | -17 |
| Eric Gordon | 21:04 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | -18 |
| Drew Eubanks | 9:14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | -14 |
| Isaiah Thomas | 3:37 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -5 |
| Bol Bol | 3:37 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -5 |
| Nassir Little | 3:37 | 1 | 1 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -5 |
| Thaddeus Young | 3:37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -5 |
| Josh Okogie | 3:37 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -5 |
| David Roddy | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| TOTALS | 33 | 75 | 44 | 9 | 28 | 32.1 | 20 | 25 | 80 | 3 | 25 | 28 | 16 | 9 | 6 | 15 | 19 | 95 | -25 | |
Minnesota Timberwolves Match Players Stats
| PLAYER | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3:00 PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS | #ERROR! |
| Jaden McDanielsF | 37:35:00 | 3 | 7 | 42.9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 100 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 18 |
| Karl-Anthony TownsF | 26:36:00 | 5 | 9 | 55.6 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 8 | 8 | 100 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 19 | -2 |
| Rudy GobertC | 37:29:00 | 4 | 6 | 66.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 85.7 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 19 |
| Anthony EdwardsG | 35:48:00 | 14 | 24 | 58.3 | 4 | 8 | 50 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 33 | 19 |
| Mike ConleyG | 27:24:00 | 2 | 12 | 16.7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | -8 |
| Naz Reid | 19:17 | 4 | 10 | 40 | 2 | 6 | 33.3 | 2 | 2 | 100 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 22 |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker | 28:45:00 | 7 | 12 | 58.3 | 4 | 9 | 44.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 28 |
| Kyle Anderson | 4:53 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Monte Morris | 9:35 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 |
| Jordan McLaughlin | 3:20 | 1 | 1 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
| T.J. Warren | 3:20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Luka Garza | 3:20 | 2 | 2 | 100 | 1 | 1 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Wendell Moore Jr. | 2:38 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Leonard Miller | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| Josh Minott | DNP – Coach’s Decision | |||||||||||||||||||
| TOTALS | 44 | 88 | 50 | 12 | 32 | 37.5 | 20 | 22 | 90.9 | 13 | 39 | 52 | 26 | 8 | 2 | 14 | 24 | 120 | 25 | |
Conclusion
The Timberwolves’ 120-95 victory over the Suns was a statement win. It showcased their strengths and highlighted the potential for a deep playoff run. With strong performances from Edwards, Towns, Alexander-Walker, and Gobert, the Timberwolves have set a high bar for the rest of the series.
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