“We have to raise our level of aggression,” warned Phoenix coach Frank Vogel before the match, with his back against the wall after his team’s three consecutive defeats in the series.
That’s exactly what his players did in the first quarter, responding to the physical challenge imposed by Minnesota. The Suns, on the other hand, accumulated mistakes, allowing the Wolves to score 14 of their first 25 points on the free throw line (score 26-25 in favor of Phoenix).
Guilty of two quick fouls after four minutes of play, Rudy Gobert was forced to watch the start of the match from the sidelines. The French interior (31 years old) was effective in defense in the second quarter, but clumsy on the other side of the field, failing to complete several baskets near the circle (3/8 shooting).
Quite the opposite of Kevin Durant (20 points at 7/10), who allowed Phoenix to stay ahead at the break (61-56), helped by Devin Booker (19 points), author of a shot in suspension at the bell.
Anthony Edwards catches fire in the second half
Clumsy shooting in the first act (25% success), like his team (37.8%), Anthony Edwards took matters into his own hands in the third quarter, scoring four winning shots in 12 minutes to bring the Wolves back to two points (92-90).
The 22-year-old guard continued his momentum at the end of the match, like this sequence with a fadeaway then a huge counter on Devin Booker on the other side of the field. As a symbol, it was he who knocked out. the Suns 20 seconds from time by going up for a dunk (121-115). ”Ant” finished the game with 40 points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 28 points and 10 rebounds. Author of 4 fouls, Rudy Gobert was limited to 25 minutes of play (9 points, 5 rebounds).
The Suns were not unworthy, carried by an exceptional Devin Booker (49 points), but the Wolves were too strong. Minnesota enters the second round of the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. They will find the winner of the series between Denver and the Lakers (3-1 for the Nuggets).
