Phoenix is overwhelmed by Minnesota and loses only one game until PO is eliminated
The Phoenix Suns lost 109–126 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2023–2024 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Footprint Center in Arizona on the 27th (Korea time).
Devin Booker had 23 points and 8 assists, Bradley Beal had 28 points and 4 rebounds, and Kevin Durant had 25 points and 5 assists, but was defeated helplessly.
Minnesota combined for victory with Anthony Edwards scoring 36 points and 9 rebounds, Rudy Gobert scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Carl Anthony Towns scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Phoenix had lost two games in an away game. Phoenix lost again on the day, and it lost three games in a row, leaving only one loss to be eliminated.
Early in the game, there was a fierce battle. Phoenix showed off its offense capability by banking on Durant and Eric Gordon. However, Minnesota was also tough. Edwards scored 12 points in the first quarter alone, displaying a slight lead in the first quarter. Minnesota finished the first quarter with a slight lead of 34–32.
The second quarter was also a tight race. Durant continued to score points, and Bill also scored.
In Minnesota, Edwards scored steadily, and Conley and Naz Reid responded with support. Minnesota finished the first half with a 59–53 advantage.
The pendulum of the game tilted in the third quarter. Minnesota’s strong defense of the first and second games began to emerge in the third quarter. Phoenix had a hard time scoring goals as it was tied up by Minnesota’s defense. So did Booker, Durant, and Bill.
On the other hand, Minnesota’s offense was not harsh. Edwards’ breakthrough easily created an open three-point chance, and players who appeared from the bench, including Reid and Nickel Alexander-Walker, made easy three-point shots. With Towns scoring, the gap widened rapidly.
36–20, Minnesota, which had a dominant third quarter, entered the fourth quarter with a 95–73 victory.
In fact, the game was decided in the third quarter. Phoenix’s 3-pointer, which had been sluggish throughout the game, made it to chase after the game in the beginning of the fourth quarter, but Edwards scored back-to-back points to put out the spark.
In the end, the score gap did not narrow, and Minnesota easily secured the victory.
Phoenix had a tight first half, but it was completely defeated in the third quarter, realizing the overwhelming difference in weight class. Phoenix had 0–3 and was in danger of being eliminated.
BY: 바카라사이트