The first six minutes are synonymous with an observation round, between two teams exchanging baskets. In this little game, it is the Wolves who are slightly in the lead (12-10). Devin Booker will then take matters into his own hands to give the Suns a 5-point lead (21-16). Phoenix leads 25-24 after the first quarter.
In difficulty since the start of the match with a 0/6 shot, Kevin Durant scored his first point at home in the Suns jersey in the middle of the second quarter, on a free throw. In the process, he continues by scoring his first basket on a sublime fadeaway on the head of Jaden McDaniels. Less than 5 minutes from the break, the two teams are unable to decide (38-38). Author of 20 points, Karl-Anthony Towns allows Wolves to return to the locker room with a 3-point lead (51-48).
Back from the locker room, Minnesota started the 3rd quarter with a 9-2, and made the first break of the match by taking a 10-point lead (60-50). The reaction of the Suns is immediate. Monty Williams’ players respond to Wolves’ run, to return to contact (62-60). On a 3-point shot, Chris Paul gives his team a 2-point lead (68-66). Carried by a very good Devin Booker, Phoenix leads by 7 points at the start of the 4th quarter (81-74).
As in the third quarter, Wolves started strong, thanks in particular to Anthony Edwards, who allowed his team to catch up fairly quickly (84-84).
But now, the Suns will press the accelerator again, and take a 6-point lead on a basket from Torrey Craig less than six minutes from time (97-91). With 1 minute and 10 seconds remaining, Phoenix leads 101-97. Well served by Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton kills all suspense at the alley-oop, and the Suns win 107-100.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The return of Kevin Durant. For his return from injury, and therefore his first at home in the Suns jersey, the winger was very rusty. It must be said that in the first half, Jaden McDaniels, who was responsible for defending him, accomplished his mission. Result: only 3 small points at 1/8 shooting for KD at the break. In the 2nd half, he was a little better with a long distance address found. But the final copy is not terrible with 16 points at 5/18 shooting. Overall, it was a complicated return to competition for Kevin Durant. In addition, with a client like Jaden McDaniels in defense, it was not ideal to regain rhythm.
– End of series for Minnesota. It’s a setback for the Wolves who remained on 4 consecutive victories, with prestigious successes in New York, Golden State or Sacramento. Now, all eyes are on Friday night, with the reception of the Lakers. A very important match since Minnesota, 7th (39-38) only one victory ahead of Los Angeles, 8th (38-38). In case of defeat, the Wolves will give up their 7th place to LeBron James and his gang, who won easily on the floor of the Bulls.
– Wasted Wolves balloons. While the Suns only lost 8 balls, Wolves dropped 21 possessions. Oddly, Minnesota scored more on opposing “turnovers” with 16 points against only 10 for Phoenix. But that wasted ammunition, added to the offensive rebounds left to Josh Okogie and illegal screens from Rudy Gobert prevented Chris Finch’s troupe from being able to regain control of the game.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Devin Booker. Aggressive throughout the game, he carried the Suns to victory. He finished with 29 points, 5 assists and 4 steals.
✅Chris Paul. In a usual role of organizing leader, he used his experience, especially at key moments. He finished with 19 points and 6 assists.
✅ Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. They carried Wolves in this match. Between them, they combined for 56 points.
⛔️ Mike Conley. Irreproachable since his arrival in Minnesota, he experienced one of his first big hiccups on the floor of the Suns with an ugly 3/13 shooting.
THE FOLLOWING
Suns (41-35): reception of the Nuggets on the night of Friday to Saturday (04:30).
Wolves (39-38): reception of the Lakers on the night of Friday to Saturday (02:00).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92LglYxodsY
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