The Phoenix Suns fell flat on their faces in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they suffered a 120-95 road loss at the hands of Anthony Edwards and company on Saturday. Among the reasons for the Suns stumbling right out of the gate in the 2024 NBA Playoffs was the poor play of veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon.
Phoenix Suns’ Frank Vogel Speaks up on Eric Gordon After Loss to Timberwolves
Although not an elite component of the Suns machine, Gordon is often looked for by Phoenix for points off the bench. Against the Timberwolves, Gordon jogged up and down the court and produced zero points, as he went just 0/5 from the field. Among players off the bench for the Suns. Among Suns bench players, Gordon also ended up with the worst plus-minus rating of minus-18. Royce O’Neale was minus-17 but he did score 14 points on 5/10 shooting from the floor.
When asked about a potential move in Game 2 concerning Gordon, Suns head coach Frank Vogel did not confirm or reject the idea entirely.
Via Duane Rankin of AZ Central:
“We’ll consider everything.”
Frank Vogel when asked if he’ll consider other options off the bench like Bol Bol after Eric Gordon went scoreless on 0-for-5 FGs (0-4 on 3s) Game 1.
“He can go 5-for-5 next game. He’s that type of player.”
11-of-51 on 3s his last 11 games. #Suns
Of course, the blowout loss to the Timberwolves can’t just be pinned mostly on Gordon misfiring off the bench. Devin Booker scored 18 points but needed 16 attempts from the field to get there. Phoenix’s defense and rebounding also underwhelmed greatly.
Phoenix will look to recover right away in Game 2 on Tuesday before the series shifts to Arizona for Games 3 and 4.
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