Anthony Edwards did everything right for the Minnesota Timberwolves as they beat the Phoenix Suns 122-116 at Footprint Center on Sunday night to win their Western Conference playoff first-round series 4-0.
Edwards scored 40 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out six assists, got two blocks, and shot 7-of-13 from the three-point mark to lead Minnesota to their first playoff series win in 20 years.
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Season pic.twitter.com/2dKjTG7JZx— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 29, 2024
The former No. 1 pick was a torn in the flesh for the Suns as he scored 31 of his 40 points in the second half and finished 13 of 23 from the field, including a rim-shaking one-handed jam to give his side a 115-111 lead with 2:14 left in the game.
Edwards’ brilliant night also set a new record as he became the player with the most 30+ points game in Minnesota franchise history.
the new franchise leader in 30+ point playoff games. 👏 pic.twitter.com/WH8VdSC5ki
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 29, 2024
Karl-Anthony Towns poured in 28 points, ten rebounds, and four 3s; Jaden McDaniels finished with 18 points and shot 6-of-12 from the field; and Mike Conley finished with ten points, four rebounds, and seven assists.
Conley was involved in more than just scoring for the visitors, as he unfortunately injured head coach Chris Finch in the fourth quarter. He collided with Finch, who injured his right knee and has suffered a ruptured patellar tendon.
🧹🧹🧹🧹 pic.twitter.com/Yj72qyV9zi
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 29, 2024
Devin Booker led the Suns with 49 points on 13 of 21 shooting, while also making 20 of 21 free throws. Kevin Durant added 33 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, but the rest of the team struggled, as none of the other six players in the rotation finished in double figures.
The Timberwolves will be waiting for the winner of the series between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers, whom they will face in the Western Conference semifinals.
