Deprived of Deandre Ayton, the Suns feared the arrival of the Minnesota Twin Towers. But Phoenix was solid at home, to win a fifth straight victory (116-107) thanks to a good performance from Cam Johnson (29 points at 7/11 from 3-pointers).
It started well for Minnesota, however, with a big counter from Rudy Gobert on Devin Booker, concluded on the other side by an alley oop between Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. But a 14-2 Suns powered by the address of Cam Johnson will ensue, far too much for the only Edwards, author of 9 of the first 12 points of his team.
Behind at the break (54-47), the Wolves will take a good shine on the return from the locker room. A 20-9 in this case to start the third quarter, behind Johnson and Booker, but also Biyombo who stands out against and dunk (74-56)!
Edwards will bring his troops back to -2 after two consecutive 3-point shots with 8 minutes remaining but Johnson, then Paul, will definitely put the lid on for the Suns who win at home, for their sixth victory in seven games at the start of the season (116-107).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Phoenix already freewheeling. Undefeated at home with five wins in as many games, the Suns have for once garnered a fifth consecutive victory last night. With well-distributed scoring and great shooting skills (46% including 39 from 3-pointers), Monty Williams’ men logically won against Wolves who precisely lack the experience and habits that the Suns have developed these last two seasons. To come, two games in a row against Portland, the only team that has brought down Phoenix this season…
– Wolves still scouting. Just balanced on the balance sheet, with four wins for as many defeats, Minnesota has not yet found its stride, to say the least. In full trial and error, the Wolves still concede too many points and clearly lack cohesion. A major project, still in progress: “We are still trying to get out of baroque situations”, explained Finch after the match. “Our guys are doing what they can but we’re learning new habits. We sometimes still help too much in defense when [Rudy] is on the ground. We are not good enough on the defense in transition. But if we can fix these problems, we can be an even tougher defense. »
– No basket for Gobert. The French scored 7 points without a single basket. The Frenchman only shot once, and the Suns’ plan worked very well.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Cam Johnson. Since his failed game against defending champions Golden State (a 3/11 on shots), Johnson has set the sights. He chained two games to 16 then 19 points before making the powder speak last night, with a high-flying performance at 29 points at 10/17 on shots including 7/11 from 3-pointers.
✅ Chris Paul. As a good veteran, Paul still uses this start to the season to regulate his game, and his shooting in particular. Clumsy so far (35% on shots including 24% from behind the arc), CP3 however managed a great game last night. A double-double with 15 points and 12 assists, plus 8 rebounds, 3 steals and a single stray ball!
✅ ⛔ Anthony Edwards. Motivated at the start of the match by his duel against Booker, whom he generally held well defensively, Edwards ended up being too clumsy too (at 8/21) for 24 points and 6 rebounds. We will remember all the same that he was the most enterprising.
⛔ Devin Booker. Unlike Paul, Booker made him a backfiring start to the season, but the Suns All Star rear was in a night without. Author of 18 points in 18 shots attempted (6 successes only), Booker did not dominate as usual. He nevertheless brought 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
THE FOLLOWING
Minnesota (4-4) : Milwaukee reception, Friday.
Phoenix (6-1) : Portland reception, Friday.
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