The Minnesota Timberwolves hosted the Phoenix Suns in the first game of the Western Conference playoff series, winning decisively with a score of 120-95 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Anthony Edwards shined for the home team.
The key part of the game was the third quarter. Besides outscoring their opponent by ten points (31-21), the team with the best defense in the NBA created an 8-0 run, led by a member of the United States national team who scored two three-pointers and a layup in just one minute, pushing the Timberwolves to a commanding 20-point lead.
An incredible statistical highlight of the game was the Timberwolves’ dominance on the boards, grabbing 52 rebounds compared to the Suns’ 28. Specifically focusing on offensive rebounds, the Timberwolves had 13, while the Suns managed only three.
Minnesota played without the duo of Jaylen Clark and Kyle Anderson, while Damion Lee did not play for the Suns.