It’s been a tough stretch of games for the Minnesota Timberwolves this past week. The thing that will get overlooked is that Rudy Gobert was in and out of the lineup. It seems as though the Timberwolves can never catch a break regarding chemistry on the court. There have been so many lineup changes that it would be tough on any head coach. Coach Finch has done the best that he can do with this roster and it just comes down to executing the game plan.

The Phoenix Suns came out firing on all cylinders tonight and by the time the Timberwolves matched the energy they were down big. Mikal Bridges was able to set the tone for the Suns and he was trying to take the heart out of Minnesota quickly. Bridges was able to get in the passing lanes, dived for loose balls, and gave Coach Monty Williams that winning effort. Bridges isn’t one of those players that get plays drawn up for him he uses his defense and cutting to score which he did tonight. On the night Mikal Bridges finished with 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. When you have a player like Mikal that gives it 110% every night it can take something away from the opposing team.

Devin Booker on the other hand played lights out and finished with 32 points, 10 assists, and 4 rebounds on the night. Booker was hitting his jumper from wherever he wanted as he was able to get to his sweet spot. The Timberwolves didn’t make it tough on him tonight and he was able to get others involved. If the Timberwolves could have slowed down his passing attack then it could have been different. Devin Booker showed tonight why he’s a tough guard in the league and that he can create points with or without the ball. So many people sleep on the raw talent that he has and it’s going to be scary because we’re just entering his prime. Booker made anyone that was defending work for everything and he challenged/answered it all tonight.

The Timberwolves bright spot tonight that they can really take anything away with was the fact Jaden McDaniels was able to find his stroke. Jaden was able to score inside and outside tonight as he attacked with complete confidence with no problem. His growth has been amazing to watch and he was able to make the best of Suns defenders guessing the wrong way he was going all night. Rudy Gobert came back into the lineup tonight and made it clear he was going to be the dominant big tonight. Rudy had 25 points and 11 rebounds as he was in beast mode tonight. Gobert was able to put the clamps on Ayton as he kept his production to a minimum. When Gobert can just erase a center like that it gives the Timberwolves a better chance at winning. The Timberwolves missed Gobert’s presence in the paint as he was able to alter some shots. Both Towns/Edwards finished with a combined 22 points and were struggling from the field. It’s not going to be perfect but Minnesota has been beating themselves this season. They have to cut down the turnovers and get back on the defensive end. If the Timberwolves can do that then this could be a great season with the ability to move far in the playoffs.

The Timberwolves will be in Memphis on Friday as they try to get back in the winning column.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming into this game against Phoenix after a loss to the Spurs. The Suns played without their big man DeAndre Ayton. From the start, the Timberwolves were going inside trying to attack the Suns in the paint. The only thing that got in the way of Minnesota tonight was themselves. The turnovers were a huge issue tonight and the Phoenix Suns made them pay. Every time the Timberwolves made a mistake the Suns made them pay in the transition game and that’s where the Timberwolves have been hurting this season. It’s all about getting back and setting the defense up but the Suns were running and gunning with purpose.

Tonight was Cam Johnson’s night as he was making the Timberwolves pay inside and outside with his scoring ability. Johnson finished the game with 29 points and his jumper was on point. Cam Johnson was on another planet tonight as on the season he only averages 12.5 ppg. Devin Booker added to that performance as he finished with 18 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds and he made some crucial shots when the Suns needed them. Devin Booker can create his shot from anywhere and he was able to hit his stop and pop with ease tonight. The Suns had forced a lot of turnovers tonight against Minnesota with (16). Mikal Bridges was all over the place as well showing that he’s one of the best two way players in the NBA. Bridges can score with the ball but he’s lethal when it comes to making cuts for easy buckets. The Suns were clicking on all cylinders tonight.

For the Timberwolves it was Anthony Edwards who kept them in the game and got them close when they went on their run in the 4th. Anthony Edwards has to be able to be aggressive and get into the scoring column quicker. Edwards is a rhythm shooter so if he can continue to get those looks early then he can have an incredible night. Edwards had 24 points tonight but it wasn’t enough to get the Timberwolves the victory. It’s going to take some time to gel and the big men (Towns/Gobert) combined for 31 points & 19 rebounds. It was clear that when the Timberwolves need offense they play off Towns but they also put Naz Reid in to play with him as well.

Naz Reid has shown that he will need some more minutes in this offense as he finished with 13 points. Naz gives the Timberwolves another big that can score but he can also put the ball on the court and make a play for himself. Minnesota has to take it personally on the defensive and when they do that it will be a scary sight for any team that’s playing them. This was their first true test against a Western Conference contender and it got close late but they will need to dig down for those big-time stops. Chris Paul and Devin Booker put the Suns on their back late in this one to make sure they secured the win. Chris Paul has been unreal as he’s been taking care of the ball and had finally had a turnover.  CP3 is the best point guard in the NBA and his IQ’s a lot higher than the next point guards trust me. Chris Paul finished with 15 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds.

The Timberwolves will be heading back home on Friday as they will take on the undefeated Milwaukee Bucks. It will be a great game and this will give them a chance to see where they stack against the Greek Freak Giannis.

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