Game 1 ended in a 120-95 throttling by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Can the Phoenix Suns respond?
Catch the game tomorrow at 7:30 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Phoenix Suns (0-1)
Projected starting five:
- Devin Booker
- Bradley Beal
- Grayson Allen
- Kevin Durant
- Jusuf Nurkic
The Suns couldn’t match the Timberwolves’ energy in Game 1, and they were left in the dust by the second quarter, hence the 25-point blowout. It’s not time to count them out, though, not with all that talent.
Still, it has to come together. Kevin Durant had 31 points, but had a -20 plus-minus. He also received little help from no. 2 scorer Devin Booker, who was smothered into a 5-of-16 shooting night. Bradley Beal was barely noticeable despite serviceable numbers: 15 points and six assists on 6-of-10 field goals. They are three of the most explosive scorers in the game, and should look to be more assertive tomorrow, particularly Booker – he shouldn’t get any lower than what he did. Key ‘3 and D’ guy Grayson Allen doesn’t get a pass too. He appeared passive and only shot thrice, missing all. He needs to flex his league-leading three-point percentage.
Defense has to come through as well. They can’t be giving up 30-point games to the opposition’s best player.
HOME: Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0)
Projected starting five:
- Mike Conley
- Anthony Edwards
- Jaden McDaniels
- Kyle Anderson
- Rudy Gobert
Solid team effort was exemplified in the Game 1 victory, especially on defense as they held a Top 10-scoring team to 95 points. However, there’s no denying that Anthony Edwards came of age in a fabulous performance. He poured in a game-high 33 points alongside nine rebounds and six assists, and was overflowing with contagious energy that pumped the entire team.
Edwards is draped in momentum and should be able to carry it tomorrow. He has been a menace attacking the confused Suns defense (for now at least).
Other key guys Karl-Anthony Towns (19 pts) and Rudy Gobert (14 pts, 16 rebs) had a good game, and will similarly have a good feel for Wednesday. Both have a favorable matchup against their Suns counterparts. Mike Conley, meanwhile, had seven assists but only shot 2-of-12, so he has to be better. Thankfully, though, Nickeil Alexander-Walker (18 pts, 4 stls) came through from the second unit to help aid Conley’s off night.
The T-Wolves have the number one scoring defense and defensive rating in the regular season. Look for them to keep showcasing why.
PICKS:
Spread: Timberwolves (-3)
Over/Under: Over (211.5)
