The Phoenix Suns edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-105 on Monday night, ending Minnesota’s five-game winning streak. Mark Williams led the Suns with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Collin Gillespie contributed 19 points and Dillon Brooks added 18.
Anthony Edwards did most of the heavy lifting for the Timberwolves, scoring 40 points on 15-of-21 shooting. Julius Randle added 21 points, but other key players struggled, including Naz Reid (2-for-12), Jaden McDaniels (1-for-7), and Donte DiVincenzo (1-for-7). Rudy Gobert had 15 points and eight rebounds before being ejected in the third quarter for a flagrant foul.
Phoenix never trailed by more than two points during the game. The Suns opened the fourth quarter with a 14-3 run, breaking a tied score at 84-all to establish an 11-point lead at 98-87. Minnesota fought back but failed to capitalize in the closing seconds when McDaniels missed a crucial 3-pointer with 3.7 seconds left.
This win marks a stronger performance for the Suns compared to their earlier 114-113 victory over Minnesota on Nov. 21. In that game, Phoenix made history by becoming the first team since January 2022 to win in regulation after trailing by eight or more points within the final minute.
Key takeaways from the game include:
1. Suns’ balanced scoring with Williams, Gillespie, and Brooks stepping up.
2. Edwards’ dominant scoring effort could not carry the Timberwolves over the finish line.
3. Gobert’s ejection potentially shifted momentum in favor of Phoenix.
The Suns are now set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves prepare for a road game against the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
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