The Minnesota Timberwolves made history by sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs, marking their first playoff series win in 20 years. The victory was sealed with a 122-116 win, highlighted by a stellar performance from Anthony Edwards, who scored 31 of his 40 points in the second half.
West – First Round Game 4 Information
| Date | April 29, 2024 |
| Location | Footprint Center Phoenix AZ |
| Officials | Scott Foster, Pat Fraher, Curtis Blair |
| Attendance | 17,071 |
Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
Timberwolves Match Player Stats
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | FG | 3-PT FG | FT | +/- |
| Jaden McDaniels | 18 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6-12 | 1-4 | 5-5 | -2 |
| Rudy Gobert | 9 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3-9 | 0-0 | 3-3 | 1-9 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 28 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11-17 | 4-6 | 2-3 | 1-3 |
| Mike Conley | 10 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2-10 | 2-6 | 4-5 | 1-15 |
| Anthony Edwards | 40 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 13-23 | 7-13 | 7-10 | 7 |
| Kyle Anderson | 4 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2-5 | 0-0 | 0-0 | -2 |
| Naz Reid | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2-4 | 1-2 | 3-4 | 3 |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker | 5 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2-9 | 0-5 | 1-1 | -6 |
| Josh Minott | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Leonard Miller | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| T.J. Warren | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| T.J. Warren | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Luka Garza | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Monte Morris | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Jordan McLaughlin | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | FG | 3-PT FG | FT | +/- |
| Kevin Durant | 33 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 12-17 | 2-3 | 7-9 | -7 |
| Royce O’Neale | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2-7 | 2-6 | 0-0 | -1 |
| Jusuf Nurkic | 9 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3-5 | 0-0 | 3-4 | -7 |
| Bradley Beal | 9 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4-13 | 1-5 | 0-0 | -12 |
| Devin Booker | 49 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 13-21 | 3-5 | 20-21 | 12-31 |
| Josh Okogie | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2-3 | 0-1 | 0-2 | 1-2 |
| Nassir Little | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | -6 |
| Eric Gordon | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2-7 | 2-5 | 0-0 | -1 |
| Drew Eubanks | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Thad Young | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| David Roddy | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Bol Bol | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Isaiah Thomas | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
The Dramatic Turn in the Third Quarter
Anthony Edwards Takes Charge
Early in the third quarter, Anthony Edwards noticed the Phoenix Suns switched up their defense, opting to play him one-on-one instead of the double teams from the first half. Edwards took this as a personal challenge and dominated the court.
Phoenix’s Defensive Switch
The Suns’ decision to change their defensive strategy allowed Edwards more freedom on the court, which he capitalized on, showcasing his ability to adapt and overcome.
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Edwards’ Spectacular Performance
Scoring Breakdown
Edwards finished the game with 40 points, shooting 13 of 23 from the field and 7 of 13 from 3-point range. His explosive performance in the second half was crucial for the Timberwolves.
Crucial Moments
One of the game’s highlights was Edwards’ powerful one-handed jam that gave Minnesota a 115-111 lead with just over two minutes remaining, effectively shifting the momentum in their favor.
Supporting Cast Shines
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Contribution
Karl-Anthony Towns added 28 points, playing a significant role in supporting Edwards and helping the Timberwolves secure their victory.
Jaden McDaniels Steps Up
Jaden McDaniels scored 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, providing crucial support and contributing to Minnesota’s 44-33 rebounding advantage.
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Coach Chris Finch’s Unexpected Exit
The Collision Incident
In a surprising turn of events, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch left the game late in the fourth quarter after an inadvertent collision with Wolves guard Mike Conley, resulting in a ruptured patellar tendon.
Micah Nori Takes Over
Assistant coach Micah Nori stepped in for Finch, guiding the Timberwolves to close the game with relative ease despite the high stakes.
Phoenix Suns’ Struggle
Devin Booker’s Effort
Devin Booker delivered an impressive performance, scoring 49 points and making 20 of 21 free throws. However, his effort wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Suns.
Kevin Durant’s Performance
Kevin Durant added 33 points, but the rest of the Suns’ team struggled to keep up, highlighting the challenges they faced.
Challenges for the Rest of the Team
The Suns’ inability to support their star players ultimately led to their downfall, with key players like Bradley Beal underperforming and fouling out.
Key Moments in the Fourth Quarter
Tight Scores and Crucial Plays
The fourth quarter was tightly contested, with the Suns tying the game at 107 with Royce O’Neale’s 3-pointer. However, timely shots from Edwards and McDaniels secured the lead for Minnesota.
Edwards and McDaniels’ Impact
Back-to-back 3-pointers from Edwards and McDaniels put the Timberwolves ahead, showcasing their clutch performance under pressure.
The Final Stretch
Minnesota’s Dominance
Despite a strong effort from the Suns, the Timberwolves maintained their lead and closed the game with confidence, demonstrating their resilience and teamwork.
Closing the Game
With a strong finish, the Timberwolves celebrated a historic victory, marking their first playoff series win in two decades and setting the stage for their next challenge.
Post-Game Reactions
Rudy Gobert on Edwards’ Growth
Rudy Gobert praised Edwards, highlighting his growth as a leader, player, and man, reflecting on the journey they’ve witnessed together.
Coach Nori’s Remarks
Assistant coach Micah Nori emphasized the team’s unity and readiness to step up, even in challenging situations, underscoring their collective strength.
Suns Coach Frank Vogel’s Comments
Suns coach Frank Vogel acknowledged the difficulties posed by the Timberwolves, praising their role players and stars, particularly Edwards’ exceptional talent.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Phoenix Suns marks a significant milestone in the team’s history, showcasing their talent, resilience, and determination. With standout performances from Anthony Edwards and strong support from his teammates, the Timberwolves are poised for further success in the playoffs.
FAQs
What was Anthony Edwards’ final score in the game?
Anthony Edwards scored 40 points in the game, with 31 points coming in the second half.
Why did Coach Chris Finch leave the game?
Coach Chris Finch left the game due to an inadvertent collision with Wolves guard Mike Conley, resulting in a ruptured patellar tendon.
Who stepped in for Coach Finch after his exit?
Assistant coach Micah Nori took over for Coach Finch in the final 1:41 of the game.
How did Devin Booker perform in the game?
Devin Booker scored 49 points and made 20 of 21 free throws, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Suns.
Who will the Timberwolves face in the next round of the playoffs?
The Timberwolves will face either the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the playoffs.