The Western Conference playoffs series matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns proves it will be fun. You can tell that by the Minnesota Timberwolves Dominate the Suns in Game 1. The Wolves did cruise to a score of 120-95 in game 1, sending a strong message to the Suns that it is the playoffs, not the regular season. In the regular season, though, the Suns have a 2-1 advantage.
Minnesota Timberwolves dominate both ends of the court
In game 1, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves showed dominance on both ends of the court, outscoring and outrebounding the Suns. Here are some highlights from the game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have seen a resurgence in the past few seasons. They made their first playoff appearance in the 2022-2023 season in several years. In the 2023-2024 season, the team improved and achieved its highest number of wins in 20 years.
This earned them a spot in the postseason for the third consecutive season. As the current 3rd seed in the Western Conference, the Timberwolves can make history by reaching their first championship game. This would be a significant achievement for a team that last made a deep playoff run in 2004 during the Kevin Garrett era when they advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
Putting in an impressive performance
Edwards put on an impressive performance, leading the Timberwolves with 33 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. He showed off his scoring ability and playmaking skills, proving why he was the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
On the other side, Kevin Durant led the Suns with 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Timberwolves’ strong defense. The Suns struggled to find their rhythm offensively and were outrebounded significantly.
The Timberwolves also received contributions from their other key players. Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points, Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 18 points, and Rudy Gobert had 14 points and 16 rebounds, providing a solid inside presence and defensive intensity.
The Suns Struggled
The Suns, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing. Devin Booker had 18 points but struggled with his shot, going 5-for-16 from the field. Bradley Beal added 15 points, but the Suns’ bench was outscored 41-18 by the Timberwolves’ bench.
The game took a turn in the third quarter when the Timberwolves went on a 19-4 run, outscoring the Suns and effectively putting the game out of reach. The Timberwolves’ performance in the third quarter showed their ability to adjust and capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses.
Looking forward to game 2
The Timberwolves will look to continue their strong play in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 23, against the Suns. With their dominant victory in Game 1, the Timberwolves have set the tone for the rest of the series and look like a serious contender for the championship.
Okon Ekpenyong is a multi-talented writer, journalist, and entrepreneur.
He regularly contributes to the New Americans magazine and covers college basketball for Sportzkelz media. In addition, he is the founder of Okiethedreamer Productions, a company that promotes new Americans and local businesses through community writing and referrals.
With his diverse skills and passions, Okon is dedicated to uplifting and showcasing the voices and stories of marginalized communities.
