Preview #14 – Timberwolves vs. Suns

On By Littum

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns
Date: 17 November 2024
Time: 2:30 p.m. CST
Location: Target center
TV coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Well, Wolves fans, let’s all take a deep breath. The three-game losing streak? Finally over. Minnesota got back into the win column with an overtime thriller against the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Cup group stage. Yes, it was nerve wracking. Yes, it was almost a disaster. But hey, a win is a win and this one keeps the Wolves alive in the trophy hunt.

For three quarters, this looked like the Timberwolves team we’ve all consistently hoped to see. Anthony Edwards was unconscious from beyond the arc, Naz Reid was doing Naz Reid things – dunking, scoring and making everyone wonder how this guy isn’t starting somewhere. Julius Randle? Bulldozes his way to buckets and free throws. Rudy Gobert looked rejuvenated on defense and even Mike Conley turned back the clock with some clutch threes.

Then came the fourth quarter and everything fell apart.

If you’re a long-time Wolves fan, you know this story. It’s like re-watching an old horror movie – you know the jump scares are coming, but you still shudder. A 20-point lead evaporated faster than De’Aaron Fox could put his insane 60-point performance. Suddenly we were back to the bad old days when Minnesota would build a comfortable lead only to see it crumble to dust.

Live by the three, die by the three

Let’s address the elephant in the room: This team is far too reliant on three-point shooting. When the shots fall, it’s beautiful. When they are not? Well, we get nights like this. And while Edwards and Randle have the offensive firepower to attack the rim and create high-percentage looks, the Wolves keep chugging from deep like it’s the only element in the playbook. It’s something Chris Finch hair to correct.

De’Aaron Fox, meanwhile, reminded everyone why he is one of the most electrifying guards in the league. The Wolves couldn’t stop him – pull-up jumpers, drives to the rim, you name it. If not for a superhero overtime performance by Edwards, we’d be staring at a four-game skid and a lot of existential questions about the direction of this team.

Next stop: Phoenix Suns

With Sacramento in the rearview mirror, the Wolves head home for a showdown against the Phoenix Suns. On paper, this should be a favorable matchup. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are out, and Grayson Allen and Jusuf Nurkic are listed as game-time decisions. That leaves Devin Booker as the lone member of Phoenix’s Big Three in the lineup.

But let’s put the brakes on any talk of a cakewalk. We don’t have to look too far back to find examples of the Wolves squandering golden opportunities. Do you remember Miami? Missing Jimmy Butler and still managed to grab a win at the Target Center. Or Portland? A team Minnesota obliterated days earlier turned around and handed them a pair of embarrassing losses.

This matchup against Phoenix has “trap” written all over it. The Suns dropped four straight in their first-round playoff beatdown that the Wolves handed them last year. You think Booker hasn’t circled this one on his calendar? Think Phoenix isn’t itching for payback? If Minnesota doesn’t come out locked down, this could get ugly real quick.

Keys to the game

  1. Button Book down: If Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker can frustrate Booker, the Suns don’t have the firepower to keep up. Capture him and you’ve solved most of your problems.
  2. Don’t live (or die) by the three: If the threes don’t fall, adjust. Come to the rim. Let Randle and Gobert do their work down low. The Wolves have the size to overwhelm Phoenix in the paint, just like they did in the playoffs.
  3. Bench production: This team has one of the deepest benches in the league, but they need to show up. Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo need to bring the energy and knock down shots when the starters sit.

Possibility of stomach control

This is more than just another game. The Wolves need to prove they are not the inconsistent rollercoaster team we have seen all too often this season. It’s time to win back the Target Center crowd and show that this team is ready to compete, not just for the NBA Cup, but for a legitimate playoff run.

We saw flashes of brilliance in Sacramento. Now let’s see if they can sustain it. If the Wolves play like they did in the first three quarters – and in extra time – this is a golden opportunity to keep climbing the standings and build momentum. If not? Well, let’s not even go there.

So Wolves fans, buckle up. This game is about pride, redemption and proving that this team has what it takes to be more than just a highlight. Let’s see if they show up.