APRIL 26, 2024 — The 2023-24 NBA playoffs are in full swing and the action continues to heat up this week. One of the games on tap from today’s slate features the Phoenix Suns(49-35) hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves (58-26).
Here is a look at how the two teams have performed heading into the opening game of this first-round playoff series.
Tipoff
When: Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:30 PM ET
Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
TV: ESPN, AZ Family, and BSNX
Suns vs. Timberwolves – Series Recap & Trends
Can The Suns Avoid A 0-3 Hole?
Despite finishing three spots behind the Minnesota Timberwolves during the regular season, the Phoenix Suns had beaten the No. 3 seed in all three regular-season meetings. Much to the dismay of Phoenix, that trend has not carried over into the postseason.
Not even close.
Minnesota won the series opener handily to the tune of 120-95. Although the second game was somewhat more competitive, the Suns found themselves on the wrong end of a 105-93 loss and they now head home facing a 0-2 deficit.
Devin Booker paced the team’s offense with 20 points on 6-for-13 shooting from the field. He also tallied five assists and three rebounds.
Kevin Durant added 18 points and six rebounds. Bradley Beal contributed 14 points, six boards, and four dimes. Unfortunately, the Big 3’s contributions were for naught.
Suns guard Bradley Beal said after Game 2.
We’ve got two days to get it right, but they’re not going to stop,” “They’re going to continue to be aggressive, continue to push the envelope the way they have. And we have to respond. We haven’t responded yet.
In the closing moments of the game, the fans at the Target Center chanted “Wolves in four! Wolves in four! Wolves in four!” That may sound a bit premature as road wins are not easy to come by in any playoff series.
However, the Phoenix Suns have been held to 94 points per contest through the first two games, which is 22 points less than the 116 PPG they averaged during the regular season. Unless they change that trend, it will be difficult to beat a Timberwolves team that is brimming with confidence right now.
Timberwolves Continue To Dominate This Series?
On the other side of the matchup, the Timberwolves placed all five starters in double digits in their Game 2 victory. Jaden McDaniels — who averaged 10.5 points per contest during the regular season — led the team with 25 points on 10-for-17 shooting from the floor and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc.
Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley scored 18 points each. Anthony Edwards contributed 15 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. However, the team’s leading scorer connected on just three of 12 attempts from the field.
The Phoenix Suns have produced only one 30-point quarter through the first two games, and the Timberwolves’ defensive effort has contributed to this trend.
Rudy Gobert said after that game:
We can see it. I can feel it. I can see them. It’s tough. No one likes going against the type of defense that we’re playing right now.
Although Minnesota has jumped out to a 2-0 lead, a change of venue could alter the trajectory of the series. But if the road team produces a victory in Game 3, then the Phoenix Suns season is all but over.
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