Timberwolves 116, Suns 98: Edwards Fuels the Win in the Desert

Anthony Edwards explodes for 44 while the Timberwolves turn defense into offense to suffocate the light out of the Suns.

The Minnesota Timberwolves welcomed their star forward Julius Randle back to the lineup after a 13-game absence as the Minnesota Timberwolves storm into the desert to face off against the Phoenix Suns.

Randle jumped right back into the starting lineup next to the soaring Naz Reid. The cobwebs were evident from the tip, as the Timberwolves sputtered offensively out of the gate. Early and often, the Wolves settled for jumpers from the perimeter. At the same time, Phoenix pressed their advantage to take an early lead, pulverizing the Timberwolves’ lackadaisical effort to build a 12-0 points in the paint with 4:32 left in the first. With the Suns already mounting a 23-12 lead, the game began to feel all too familiar.

Enter Donte DiVincenzo.

Start your engines, Minnesota! DiVincenzo lit the fuse for the Wolves’ offense, making two quick threes while turning defense into offense, setting up an Anthony Edwards dunk. The Timberwolves are back in business.

Donte’s energy on both ends of the floor flipped the game’s dynamic upside down, as both teams ramped up their defensive pressure and physicality. Jaylen Clark once again was outstanding defensively. Kevin Durant, who had 9 in the first quarter, was held scoreless in the second quarter, and Clark was a significant irritant to Durant’s rhythm as the Wolves stormed back in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 2 points. 49-51 Phoenix at half.

In the first half, the Timberwolves frequently settled for jumpers. Edwards’s cold start from deep stymied the offense, but in the second half, Edwards exploded out of the gate. The illustrious 23-year-old guard registered 17 points in the third quarter, propelling the Timberwolves into control of the game.

Edwards wasn’t alone in the third-quarter onslaught. DiVicenzo picked up where he left off, nailing two quick 3s off the bench and 9 points total in the quarter. Minnesota’s defensive effort was incredible. They contest every shot attempt and consistently get their hands into the passing lanes to fuel a Minnesota run.

The Timberwolves picked up right where they left off in the 4th. Naz Reid, who had struggled mightily, found his rhythm on his way to 7 points in the quarter. The Timberwolves defense continued to force turnovers, derailing any hope for a Suns comeback as the Timberwolves cruise to a 116-98 win in Phoenix.

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Game Notes

Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Randle Stems the Tide

Welcome back big fella! After shaking off a few cobwebs early, Randle quickly settled into he game to give the Wolves much needed offense. But that’s not all! Randle’s activity was palpable, sliding his feet defensively and making effort plays all night long. Randle notched 12 points in a first quarter where the Wolves struggled offensively. In the fourth, Randle’s effort on the boards brought his team to their feet.

Edwards Takes Control

Anthony Edwards got better and better as the game went on. Amid a lackluster start, Edwards knocked down a pair of mid-range jumpers to stem the tide for a struggling Minnesota offense, but once Edwards canned his first triple, all bets were off. Ant erupted for 17 in the 3rd quarter, whose intensity and energy set the tone for his team all night, ending the game with 44 points and 7 assists.

Edwards crossed yet another milestone in a Timberwolves jersey, setting the franchise record for three-point shots made in a season:

DiVincenzo Outscored the Suns Bench

Donte DiVincenzo was nothing short of spectacular tonight, canning eight (!) total 3s for 24 points, but his activity on defense was equally impressive. Donte was a pest all night, sitting in passing lanes for 6 total steals. Donte gives the Timberwolves a much-needed guard with size, allowing them yet another perimeter defender on top of his offensive output.

Timberwolves Turn Defense Into Offense.

The defensive energy and activity were outstanding for a team lacking their four-time Defensive Player of the Year center. A staple of the 2024-25 Timberwolves was their ability to turn defense into offense, tonight they forced 20 turnovers and scored 40 points off those turnovers. Tonight, it was a team effort to take the ball out of Kevin Durant’s hands while making every possession uncomfortable for the Phoenix big three.

The Timberwolves are flexing a deep stable of impact wing defenders, and if the Wolves turn their defense into offense, they will be extremely hard to beat.

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Up Next

The Wolves head home to the Target Center hardwood where they’ll tip off against the fragmented Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00 pm. The 76ers are reeling, going 1-9 in their last 10 with franchise cornerstone Joel Embiid set to miss the rest of the season due to a lingering knee injury.

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Box Score

https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-phx-0022400873/box-score

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Game Highlights