The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a dramatic defeat against the Phoenix Suns on November 3, 2023, losing by a narrow margin of 114-113 after leading by eight points in the final minute. Collin Gillespie’s isolation basket with just six seconds remaining sealed the Timberwolves’ fate, while Julius Randle’s last-second three-pointer missed its mark, leaving Minnesota reeling from a missed opportunity.
In a dismal final stretch, the Timberwolves turned the ball over three times within a mere 27 seconds. Anthony Edwards, who had been performing well throughout the game, missed two crucial free throws that could have turned the tide in Minnesota’s favor. “We lost our minds. Poor execution. Turnovers, obviously,” said Wolves head coach Chris Finch in a post-game statement, emphasizing the team’s lack of focus during the critical moments of the match. “We just didn’t stay locked in for the last 90 seconds.”
Now, the Timberwolves face a must-win scenario against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday if they hope to advance to the NBA Cup knockout round for the first time in the event’s brief history. The team’s current record against winning teams stands at a troubling 0-6 this season.
Challenges Against Strong Opponents
Minnesota’s struggles against formidable opponents have been evident, considering they previously dominated the Suns and the Denver Nuggets last season with an 8-0 record. This year, they find themselves 0-3 against those same teams. The Suns played without key rotational players Jalen Green and Grayson Allen, yet Minnesota still faltered in crucial moments.
Despite Devin Booker fouling out with over two minutes left in the game, Minnesota failed to capitalize on the opportunity to close out the match. Dillon Brooks also fouled out in the final half-minute, illustrating the Suns’ struggles as well. Yet, the Timberwolves could not hold their composure when it mattered most.
Minnesota’s execution has been inconsistent against elite teams, a challenge that has plagued them throughout the season. They began the game poorly, falling behind by eight points in the first quarter and trailing by 13 at halftime. Their inability to match Phoenix’s intensity and execution early on proved detrimental as the game unfolded.
Standout Performances Amidst Adversity
Despite the loss, Anthony Edwards delivered a standout performance, scoring 41 points, including a remarkable 19-point third quarter in which he hit seven of his first nine shots. His aggressive play and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and teammates highlighted his potential. However, he will likely reflect on the final minute, where critical mistakes overshadowed his strong performance.
On the defensive end, Jaden McDaniels continued to limit Booker’s effectiveness, holding him to just four field goals on 18 attempts before he fouled out. Although Booker recorded ten assists, he also committed nine turnovers, tying his career high, a testament to Minnesota’s defensive effort.
Had Minnesota emerged victorious, Rudy Gobert would have received recognition for his impactful play on the boards. Gobert was instrumental in drawing the foul that led to Booker’s exit from the game and contributed significantly in the final quarter with seven points and five rebounds.
This defeat marks a significant moment for the Timberwolves, who must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge. If they require an additional win to secure playoff positioning, they may look back on this missed opportunity with regret.