The Wolves head back to Target Center to take on the Phoenix Suns. Even though Phoenix is dealing with major injuries, recent history shows the Wolves can’t take anything for granted.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns
Date: November 17th, 2024
Time: 2:30PM CST
Location: Target Center
Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio
Well, Wolves fans, let’s all take a deep breath. That three-game losing streak? Finally over. Minnesota clawed their way back into the win column with an overtime thriller against the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Cup group round. Yes, it was nerve-wracking. Yes, it was almost a disaster. But hey, a win is a win, and this one keeps the Wolves alive in the Cup chase.
For three quarters, this looked like the Timberwolves team we’ve all been hoping to see consistently. Anthony Edwards was unconscious from beyond the arc, Naz Reid was doing Naz Reid things—hustling, scoring, and making everyone wonder how this guy isn’t starting somewhere. Julius Randle? Bulldozing his way to buckets and free throws. Rudy Gobert looked rejuvenated on defense, and even Mike Conley turned back the clock with some clutch threes.
Then came the fourth quarter, and everything fell apart.
If you’re a longtime Wolves fan, you know this story. It’s like rewatching an old horror movie—you know the jump scares are coming, but you still flinch. A 20-point lead evaporated faster than De’Aaron Fox could put up his insane 60-point performance. Suddenly, we were right back to the bad old days where Minnesota would build a comfortable lead, only to watch it crumble into dust.
Live By The Three, Die By The Three
Let’s address the elephant in the room: This team is way too reliant on three-point shooting. When the shots are falling, it’s beautiful. When they’re not? Well, we get nights like this. And while Edwards and Randle have the offensive firepower to attack the rim and create high-percentage looks, the Wolves keep chucking from deep like it’s the only item on the playbook. That’s something Chris Finch has to fix.
De’Aaron Fox, meanwhile, reminded everyone why he’s one of the most electrifying guards in the league. The Wolves couldn’t stop him—pull-up jumpers, drives to the rim, you name it. If not for a superhero overtime performance by Edwards, we’d be staring at a four-game skid and a whole lot of existential questions about this team’s direction.
Next Stop: Phoenix Suns
With Sacramento in the rearview mirror, the Wolves head home for a showdown against the Phoenix Suns. On paper, this should be a favorable matchup. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are out, and Grayson Allen and Jusuf Nurkic are listed as a game-time decisions. That leaves Devin Booker as the lone member of Phoenix’s Big Three in the lineup.
But let’s pump the brakes on any talk of a cakewalk. We don’t have to look too far back to find examples of the Wolves squandering golden opportunities. Remember Miami? Missing Jimmy Butler and still managed to snatch a win at Target Center. Or Portland? A team Minnesota obliterated days earlier turned around and handed them a pair of embarrassing losses.
This game against Phoenix has “trap” written all over it. The Suns dropped four straight in their first-round playoff beatdown the Wolves gave them last year. You think Booker hasn’t circled this one on his calendar? You think Phoenix isn’t itching for some payback? If Minnesota doesn’t come out locked in, this could get ugly fast.
Keys to the Game
- Clamp Down on Booker: If Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker can frustrate Booker, the Suns don’t have the firepower to keep pace. Contain him, and you’ve solved most of your problems.
- Don’t Live (or Die) By the Three: If the threes aren’t falling, adjust. Get to the rim. Let Randle and Gobert do their work down low. The Wolves have the size to overwhelm Phoenix in the paint, just like they did in the playoffs.
- Bench Production: This team has one of the deepest benches in the league, but they need to show up. Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo need to bring the energy and knock down shots when the starters sit.
A Gut-Check Opportunity
This is more than just another game. The Wolves need to prove they’re not the inconsistent, roller-coaster squad we’ve seen too often this season. It’s time to win back the Target Center crowd and show that this team is ready to compete, not just for the NBA Cup but for a legitimate playoff run.
We saw flashes of brilliance in Sacramento. Now let’s see if they can sustain it. If the Wolves play like they did in the first three quarters—and in overtime—this is a golden opportunity to keep climbing the standings and building momentum. If not? Well, let’s not even go there.
So, Wolves fans, buckle up. This game is about pride, redemption, and proving that this team has what it takes to be more than just a highlight reel. Let’s see if they show up.