Phoenix Suns, stomach flu combine to halt Timberwolves winning streak

Minnesota had won four in a row entering Wednesday's action, but proved incapable of gutting out a victory in Phoenix. Missing three reserves -- and with other players playing through illness -- the Timberwolves fought admirably, repeatedly drawing to within two points in the final quarter.

When they got close, Phoenix responded by scoring in bunches. As anyone who has had the flu knows, it is hard to stop the runs. Their defensive effort was admirable, though. Minnesota kept Phoenix from throwing up outside shots, limiting them to 6-20 shooting from distance. Ultimately the Timberwolves played too sloppy, committing 21 turnovers.

Their big men were the worst culprits on the turnover front, with Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns each losing the ball six times. Even the officials got in on the turnover-forcing fun, as seen with this soft foul call on a Rudy Gobert post up of Devin Booker.

Gobert was upset by the foul disparity after the game. Phoenix took 27 free throws to Minnesota's 12 while the Timberwolves were called for 24 fouls to the Suns' 16. Booker had three more foul shots than the whole Timberwolves team.

"It’s hard for me to think they’re not trying to help [the Suns] win," Gobert said after the game. "It’s hard for me to think they didn’t try to help the Warriors win the other night or Sacramento Kings the other night. It’s just so obvious."

Minnesota has another day to rest up and drink fluids before they face the resurgent Lakers on Friday night.