Anthony Edwards‘ fiery performance on Friday night helped the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a commanding 126-109 win against the Phoenix Suns, extending their first-round series lead to 3-0.
Edwards, who scored 36 points, epitomized the team’s dominant spirit as he celebrated a key jumper in the fourth quarter with emphatic chest pounding. Rudy Gobert, contributing 19 points and 14 rebounds, reflected on the team’s focus.
“We’re just embracing the moment. We have only one goal in mind and we’re trying to make sure we don’t get distracted by the success or the ups and downs. We’re just locked in.”
The Timberwolves showcased their dominance early, never trailing in the game and blowing it open with a remarkable third quarter where they sank 7 of 11 three-point attempts, including four from Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
The Suns struggled to keep pace despite Bradley Beal scoring 28 points and Kevin Durant adding 25. The team faltered particularly in the paint, where Gobert’s defensive presence was palpable.
“I try to be a presence, give confidence to my teammates, making sure I’m there for them,” Goobert said. “I’m trying to get some blocks, but they don’t really try me. So at the end of the day, that’s better than any block.”
Minnesota’s rebounding was a key factor, outmatching Phoenix 50-28 on the boards. The Timberwolves also excelled from the free-throw line with Edwards hitting all 11 of his attempts, adding nine rebounds and five assists to his impressive point total.
“We got killed on the boards. This is a bigger, stronger team,” Vogel said. “We’ve got to compete and win the 50-50 balls. I thought our guys gave the effort, but it wasn’t enough.”
The Suns now face the daunting task of avoiding a sweep in Game 4, with the crowd’s boos at the end of the third quarter signaling their frustration.
Devin Booker voiced the team’s predicament clearly as they face a potential sweep, indicating the uphill battle Phoenix faces to turn the series around.
“We put ourselves in a hole, and we’ve got to dig ourselves out of it,” Booker said.
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