Anthony Edwards erupted for 31 of his 40 points in the second half, spearheading the Timberwolves to a 122-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns during Sunday’s NBA playoff action.
Edwards sensed a shift in the Phoenix Suns’ defensive strategy early in the third quarter. The Suns opted to guard him one-on-one rather than double-team him as they had in the first half, and Edwards viewed this as a pivotal moment.
“It was like — you’ve got to beat us,” Edwards said of the Suns’ defensive change. “And I showed them.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns Updates
This win marked the franchise’s first NBA playoff series victory in 20 years. Karl-Anthony Towns also played a key role, adding 28 points to the scoreboard.
The game’s dynamic shifted when Timberwolves coach Chris Finch suffered an inadvertent collision with guard Mike Conley, leading to a ruptured patellar tendon in his knee and his exit from the game. Assistant coach Micah Nori took over the reins in the closing minutes.
“Everybody has their role, everybody has each other’s back,” Nori commented on taking over. “I know it sounds corny, but it’s just next man up, even with the coaching staff.”
Edwards’ performance was electric. He made 13 of 23 from the field and made 7 of 13 three-point attempts. His one-handed jam late in the game pushed the Timberwolves ahead, solidifying their lead.
“We’ve watched him grow, evolve as a leader, as a player, as a man,” Rudy Gobert said. “It’s been fun.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns Updates
Despite Devin Booker‘s impressive 49 points and Kevin Durant‘s 33 points, the Suns could not overcome the Timberwolves. Phoenix struggled particularly with their supporting cast, whereas Minnesota’s players, like Jaden McDaniels, who scored 18 points, stepped up significantly.
The critical moments continued in the fourth quarter, with the game-tying at 107 each after a three-pointer by the Suns’ Royce O’Neale. However, Edwards and McDaniels responded with back-to-back threes, giving the Timberwolves a crucial lead.
Suns coach Frank Vogel acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the Timberwolves.
“Their whole team created a lot of problems for us,” Vogel said. “The role players, the stars. Anthony Edwards is a special, special talent. And their bigs played really well.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns Updates
With the first-round series now behind them, the Timberwolves are poised to face either the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Lakers in what promises to be an exhilarating second round of the playoffs.
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