Beal’s Struggles Spell Doom for Suns
The Phoenix Suns found themselves in an insurmountable 0-3 deficit heading into Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite stellar performances from Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who scored 33 and 49 points respectively, the Suns suffered a heartbreaking loss as the Timberwolves mounted a comeback in the final quarter, ultimately winning 122-116. With this defeat, the Suns were swept out of the first round of the playoffs, with Bradley Beal, one of the Suns’ “Big Three,” bearing much of the blame for the loss.
Timberwolves’ Historic Victory
The Timberwolves’ victory marks their first playoff series win since 2004, breaking a 20-year drought. Anthony Edwards led the charge with an impressive performance, tallying 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in Game 4.
Durant and Booker Shine
Despite the Suns’ defeat, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker delivered standout performances, scoring 33 and 49 points respectively. However, Bradley Beal’s lackluster showing, with only 9 points on 4-of-13 shooting and 6 turnovers, proved costly for the Suns.
Intensity from the Start
Both teams came out strong defensively, resulting in early foul trouble for both sides. The Timberwolves capitalized on free throws in the first quarter, scoring 14 points from the line, while the Suns went 8-for-9. Despite the Timberwolves’ physicality, they struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 1-for-9 in the opening quarter.
Back-and-Forth Battle
The second quarter saw an offensive explosion from both teams, with the Timberwolves narrowing the Suns’ lead to 56-61 by halftime. Despite their poor three-point shooting, the Timberwolves kept pace with the Suns through solid team play on both ends of the court.
Timberwolves’ Second-Half Surge
In the third quarter, the Timberwolves continued their strong performance, outscoring the Suns 34-35 and cutting the deficit to 90-92. A late surge in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a 12-7 run, allowed the Timberwolves to seize control and secure the series sweep with a 122-116 victory.
Conclusion: A Disappointing End for the Suns
Despite the efforts of Durant and Booker, the Suns’ inability to contain the Timberwolves’ offense, coupled with Beal’s struggles, led to their downfall. As the Timberwolves celebrate their historic victory, the Suns are left to reflect on what went wrong as they exit the playoffs without a single win. (LODIBET)