Phoenix Suns Crushed by Timberwolves
Phoenix Suns Crushed by Timberwolves: PHOENIX The Phoenix Suns’ season took another devastating turn Sunday night with a 116-98 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a humiliating defeat for a team that once had championship hopes.
“We didn’t play up,” All-Star forward Kevin Durant said. “We embarrassed our fans and we embarrassed the way we played. “We want to be better.” Phoenix’s 11th loss in its last 14 games improved its record to 28-33. Phoenix currently sits four games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament, leaving little margin for error with 21 games remaining.
At the start of the season, the Suns were considered the favorites, boasting a talented and expensive roster that included Durant, four-time All-Star Devin Booker and three-time All-Star Bradley Beal. However, after a strong start of 8 wins and 1 loss, things quickly deteriorated, and since November 13, the team has a disappointing record of 20 wins and 31 losses. Injuries have been a factor, but the team suffered a home loss despite being fully healthy on Sunday night.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the urgency of the situation. He said he wanted to continue his winning streak, but that this was just the beginning. “There’s definitely a perception in the standings and the situation we’re in that we have to do something to change that.” The Suns led 51-49 at halftime and had some hope, but Minnesota took control in the third quarter and went into the final period with an 83-72 lead.
The fourth quarter was a disaster for Phoenix. The team was poor, committing nine turnovers in the final 12 minutes, many of which led to easy points for the Timberwolves. Their frustration exploded when Beal was called for a foul for shoving Anthony Edwards as he attempted to dunk. As the game progressed, sporadic boos could be heard from the disappointed home crowd.
Minnesota showed overwhelming strength, with Edwards scoring 44 points. Julius Randle, who returned after a month with a groin injury, added 20 points. Donte DiVincenzo eluded the Phoenix defense and dominated the Suns with eight 3-pointers. The Timberwolves, who dominated the Suns in the playoffs last year, have won all three regular season games this year.
Durant said the team has struggled against adversity. “When we’re down, we get a little discouraged as a team,” he admitted. “It’s hard to deal with.” The turnovers were especially painful, with Phoenix committing a season-high 22 turnovers and Minnesota giving up a season-low 40 points on those mistakes.
“That’s why we lost,” Durant said. “40 points off turnovers. That’s hard to overcome. They didn’t out-rebound us, we gave them the ball.” With the season coming to a close, the Suns will have to find a way to turn things around quickly. Or their hopes of making the playoffs will be completely gone.