In a competitive Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals series, the Minnesota Timberwolves emerged victorious against the Phoenix Suns with a 105-93 triumph on Tuesday night in Minneapolis. Jaden McDaniels showcased his offensive prowess, leading the Timberwolves with 25 points, shooting an impressive 10-for-17 from the field. Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert also contributed significantly, each contributing 18 points to the team’s success.
While Anthony Edwards experienced an off night, shooting only 3 of 12 from the field, he managed to contribute 15 points, largely due to his 7-of-8 shooting at the free-throw line. Devin Booker led the Suns with 20 points, despite having an inconsistent shooting night, going 6-for-13 from the field and 1-for-6 from three-point range. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal combined for 18 points, but their combined shooting percentage was a disappointing 12 of 32.
The Timberwolves demonstrated their dominance in the second half, outscoring the Suns 55-42. A pivotal 12-0 run in the third quarter proved to be a turning point, with McDaniels initiating the surge with a dunk. Edwards contributed six points during the run, including four free throws and a step-back jump shot. Naz Reid and McDaniels also chipped in baskets to extend the lead and put Minnesota firmly in control.
McDaniels continued to shine in the fourth quarter, sinking a key basket to give the Timberwolves a commanding 102-83 lead with 4:41 remaining in the game. The Suns trailed by double digits for the rest of the contest, as the Timberwolves secured a convincing victory.
A setback for the Suns came in the form of Grayson Allen’s aggravated right ankle sprain, which forced him to leave the game early in the second half. Allen, who averaged 13.5 points per game during the regular season, managed only three points and three rebounds in his limited playing time.
At halftime, the Suns held a narrow 51-50 advantage, having led by as many as eight points midway through the second quarter. However, the Timberwolves rallied, outscoring the Suns 16-9 in the final minutes of the half to close the gap to a single point. McDaniels capped the first-half scoring with a well-executed floating jump shot with just 32 seconds remaining.
