MINNEAPOLIS — In an exhilarating finish, Julius Randle delivered a stunning buzzer-beating 3-pointer that finalized his impressive 35-point performance and secured the Minnesota Timberwolves a 120-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon.
With just 2.1 seconds left on the clock, the Timberwolves regained possession and opted for a timeout to position themselves for a final play. The ball was delivered to Randle, who confidently sank a long-range 24-foot shot just as the game clock expired.
Despite the Timberwolves’ triumph, they faced a formidable challenge from Devin Booker, who scored a remarkable 44 points to lead the Suns. Phoenix is currently grappling with injuries that have sidelined star players Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, pushing Booker into a crucial offensive role.
For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards contributed significantly with 24 points, most of which were scored during the second half. Additionally, he received a technical foul earlier in the day after being penalized by the league for an inappropriate gesture made in a previous game against Sacramento.
On the bench, Grayson Allen played a vital role for Phoenix with 18 points, including several key 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
Key Insights:
The Suns managed to establish a 16-point lead in the first half but struggled to maintain their advantage, allowing the Timberwolves to stay competitive as the game progressed, which ultimately led to their defeat.
For the Timberwolves, this performance marked Randle’s standout game since joining the team through a major trade with the Knicks at the beginning of the season. Throughout the match, he demonstrated consistent scoring prowess, culminating in the decisive shot at the end.
Crucial Moment:
The Timberwolves’ timeout proved instrumental, enabling them to advance the ball effectively and set up an out-of-bounds play that concluded with Randle’s game-winning three-pointer.
Noteworthy Stat:
Edwards struggled in the first half, finishing with only four points, his lowest tally in any first half this season, which was particularly pivotal as the Timberwolves were down by double digits.
Looking Ahead:
The Suns will welcome the Orlando Magic to their court on Monday, while the Timberwolves are set to face the Raptors in Toronto on Thursday.