The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Phoenix Suns in Recreation 3 of what’s wanting like a brief collection 126-109, with the end result not doing justice to how lopsided this recreation was for the collection leaders. Behind a 20+ rebounding benefit (which yielded extra second likelihood factors), alongside paint domination, and 6 gamers in double digits, the Wolves broke open a decent recreation within the third quarter to place the Suns in a gap they seemingly is not going to get out of.
The Timberwolves had been led by transcendant star Anthony Edwards (36 factors, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists) and double-doubles from their bigs Karl Anthony-Cities (18 factors and 13 rebounds) and Rudy Gobert (19 factors and 14 rebounds) in a victory that put the Suns on the ropes. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (16 factors and 5 assists) and sixth Man of the Yr Naz Reid (13 factors) chipped in off the bench.
Phoenix’s predominant three of Bradley Beal (28 factors, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Kevin Durant (25 factors and 5 assists), and Devin Booker (23 factors and eight assists) provided 70% of the workforce’s scoring tonight with Eric Gordon’s 11 factors being the one different contribution of observe and Grayson Allen out.
The primary quarter ended up being probably the most aggressive one tonight. Cities lit up the scoreboard each from distance and on the rim to get 10 early factors. Edwards banked in an and-1 so spectacular that Beal, the individual that fouled him, helped decide him up out of respect. As soon as Gordon heated up for Phoenix, Durant additionally picked up some steam on the offensive finish, Phoenix, with the good thing about frequent foul whistles in opposition to Minnesota, exited the carefully contested interval down two.
Beal and Durant scored effectively within the second quarter to assist Phoenix hold tempo with the Wolves. Edwards, after ceding the scoring load in opening body to others, shouldered many of the playmaking load to shut the half. An athletic reverse layup from Edwards stretched the Minessota result in three briefly. The youthful Wolves appeared to trace down extra 50/50 balls to their profit. Mike Conley helped Minnesota out with a handful of factors to increase their benefit. The Wolves went into the break up six.
Minnesota continued to use the strain to the Suns firstly of the third. Jaden McDaniels picked up his fourth foul early. Cities scorching capturing put Phoenix in a state of shock admist a 20-6 run, and the lower-seeded Suns couldn’t discover an equal reply to the Wolves’ firepower. Alexander-Walker and Reid had been the glad recipients of a number of clear kickouts. By the point the Suns recovered from the beating, they headed to the fourth down 22.
Observations
The 4/5 excessive pick-and-roll between Gobert and Cities appears pointless except merely as a diversion for the opposite swingmen.
Having watched only a few Wolves video games this sesaon, it’s placing how shortly Edwards strikes his toes and will get to anyplace he must on the ground. His cross courtroom passes carry a lot zip, which is one thing Devin Vassell can be taught from.
I made a decision to rely what number of occasions the individual mentioning the ball for Phoenix took the shot for that very same possession: 13 [ First quarter = five / Second Quarter = two / Third Quarter = one / Fourth Quarter = five]. Although the workforce moved the ball round extra within the second half, they had been already down sufficient to make all that motion moot.
Among the many issues I believed I’d by no means see on a courtroom, I’d embrace Gobert’s eurostep within the first quarter adopted by his Duncan-esque banker within the second.
Worst commercials of the playoffs: Wingstop’s “No Flex Zone”, Gatorade water (which is what the unique product tasted like), and something Buffalo Wild Wings put out.
It’s fairly cool to see former Spurs bigs like Drew Eubanks carve out careers within the league.
As soon as the Suns fade into obscurity as Durant and Beal age in canine years, that’s one Western Convention workforce San Antonio can go in future seasons.
Within the hectic opening minutes, Cities scored eight of Minnesota’s first 9, whereas the Suns featured their three stars across the perimeter. After stealing a go, Gobert executed a 7-step eurosomthing and one way or the other was not referred to as for touring. Cities’ tenth level put the Wolves up 9, however Gobert picked up his second foul midway by the body. Gordon was introduced in by Phoenix and netted a handful of factors instantly. Edwards made his personal eight level burst. Eubanks, um, drew a second foul on Naz Reid. Minnesota left the quarter up by two.
The groups started the second interval at a extra brisk tempo. The margin between them stayed inside two possessions over many minutes. Bol Bol slammed house a swooping transition dunk and my nieces shrieked “Identical to Wemby!”; inflicting me to recoil in horror. Cities picked up a cheapie third foul, however the Wolves remained neck-and-neck with Phoenix. Mike Conley’s nook three elevated the Minnesota lead, and their late run allowed them to enter the half up 59-53.
Identical to on the tipoff, Cities began Minnesota’s scoring in what would find yourself being a runaway third quarter. Cities’ straightaway three got here with no defender in sight. Booker sought out his shot extra, however the Wolves continued to match and surpass on the different finish. Alexander-Walker’s trio of threes nudged the lead out to 19. A 36-20 Wolves quarter fronted by Alexander-Walker and Reid virtually turned the fourth quarter right into a formality.
Phoenix’s greatest play got here partway into the fourth with the workforce down 21; just for Edwards to soar down the lane for a layup. Each groups entered the foul bonus with eight minutes remaining, and the Suns discovered their capturing contact a number of quarters late.
Recreation 4 of this collection takes place in Phoenix on Sunday evening at 8:30 PM CDT on TNT.
