Minnesota's rising star Anthony Edwards showcased his talent on Sunday night, leading the Timberwolves to a thrilling 122-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the first-round playoff series. Edwards, noticing a defensive adjustment by the Suns, rose to the occasion, scoring 31 of his 40 points in the second half.
The Timberwolves' triumph marked their first playoff series win in two decades, but it came with a bittersweet moment as coach Chris Finch exited the game late in the fourth quarter due to an injury.
The Timberwolves' triumph marked their first playoff series win in two decades, but it came with a bittersweet moment as coach Chris Finch exited the game late in the fourth quarter due to an injury.
Despite the setback, Edwards' electrifying performance stole the spotlight, shooting 13 of 23 from the field, including 7 of 13 from beyond the arc. His powerful dunks and clutch shots propelled Minnesota to victory, leaving teammates and fans in awe of his skills.
While the Suns relied heavily on Devin Booker's impressive 49-point performance, they couldn't contain the Timberwolves' relentless offense led by Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
With Finch sidelined, assistant coach Micah Nori stepped up to guide the team in the closing moments, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience.
Jaden McDaniels also made significant contributions for the Timberwolves, scoring 18 points and showcasing the team's depth.
The game remained tight until the final minutes, with both teams exchanging leads. However, timely shots from Edwards and McDaniels secured the victory for Minnesota.
Now, the Timberwolves eagerly await their second-round opponent, either the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Lakers, as they continue their playoff journey.
Suns coach Frank Vogel praised the Timberwolves' collective effort, highlighting Edwards' exceptional talent and the solid performance of their big men.