- When: Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:10 PM ET
- Who: Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves
- Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
- What: NBA Western Conference Playoffs game 2
After a challenging Game 1, the Phoenix Suns are geared up to rebound and square the series with the Timberwolves, showcasing their true firepower.
The Phoenix Suns walked off the court with more questions than answers after a dispiriting 120-95 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.
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Yet, for those who've followed the Suns' saga this season, there's a palpable sense that Game 2 is the perfect setup for a classic bounce-back.
It's not just about optimism; it's about recognizing the Suns' resilience and firepower that seems ready to erupt and even the series.
Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room: Phoenix's shooting in Game 1 was, to put it mildly, off.
Despite scoring 31 points, Kevin Durant was the only Suns player who found any rhythm, while key contributors like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal struggled to leave their mark.
I asked Devin Booker about ignoring overreactions to Game 1 in series, and he brought up last year’s 0-1 start against the Clippers:
“I’m not saying we’re gonna win the next 4 games, but there was a lot of overreacting after we lost G1 to the Clippers. It’s just a series” pic.twitter.com/Tp4M5GLicq
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 22, 2024
Booker, an offensive powerhouse, went 5-for-16, a far cry from his regular season efficiency. It's an anomaly rather than a trend, and here's why: the Suns have been here before.
They've felt the sting of defeat and have consistently shown the ability to recalibrate and strike back with a vengeance.
This team didn't sweep the Timberwolves during the regular season by coincidence; they did it through strategic playmaking and sheer talent, elements that don't evaporate overnight.
Moreover, the Game 1 stats tell the story of a Suns team on the cusp of breaking out.
Despite the loss, Phoenix showed flashes of brilliance, and with players like Booker and Beal, you're always just one game away from an offensive explosion.
Their struggles in Game 1, particularly Booker's, were compounded by early foul trouble and a Timberwolves defense that came out swinging.
Yet, history has shown that great players like Booker excel when facing adversity, making adjustments possible and likely.
The Suns also have a not-so-secret weapon waiting in the wings: their bench.
While key reserves performed subduedly in Game 1, players like Grayson Allen, who twisted his ankle but is hopeful for Game 2, have the potential to swing the momentum in Phoenix's favor.
The Suns' depth has been a cornerstone of their success this season, and a resurgence from their bench could provide the spark Phoenix needs to turn the tide.
Defensively, the Suns are no slouches either. In Game 1, the Timberwolves shot an unsustainable 71% on long midrange shots, a figure bound to normalize.
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If Phoenix can tighten up its perimeter defense and contest those midrange jumpers more effectively, it will be in a strong position to limit Minnesota's offensive output.
Plus, with Rudy Gobert's dominance on the offensive glass in Game 1, expect the Suns to adjust their game plan to neutralize his impact.
🗣️ DPOY pic.twitter.com/Sv0XgcP5K4
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 21, 2024
Now, let's talk about the intangibles. The Suns' regular-season sweep of the Timberwolves wasn't just a fluke; it was a testament to their ability to outmaneuver Minnesota on both ends of the court.
The playoffs are different, but the Suns have the experience and leadership to adjust and overcome.
With veterans like Durant and Booker, Phoenix has the playoff pedigree to navigate the highs and lows of a postseason series.
Finally, the Suns' performance in Game 1, particularly their shooting woes, is likely an outlier.
This team thrives on offense, and with shooters like Booker, Beal, and Allen, it's only a matter of time before the threes start falling.
The Suns know what's at stake, and they have the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to bounce back in Game 2.
In conclusion, while the Timberwolves may have drawn first blood, the Phoenix Suns are far from out.
With adjustments, a return to form from their star players, and a bit of that playoff magic, the Suns are set to light up the scoreboard and bring the series back to an even keel.
Game 2 isn't just another game; it's Phoenix's chance to reignite their postseason aspirations and showcase why they're a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
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