Just tough to score on the Wolves defense — lots of guys comfortable with switching, everyone competes, numerous players can defend the rim.
Minnesota Timberwolves' defense proved to be a nightmare for Phoenix Suns' Big Three once again as the Wolves take a 2-0 lead
NBAWednesday, 24 April 2024 at 04:41
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Phoenix Suns in game 2 of this electrifying series between two very good squads. The Wolves held the best defensive rating of the NBA and up until now, the Suns have to work a lot to get easy shots despite having three great offensive players on the roster. Jaden McDaniels was brilliant on both ends of the floor and led Minnesota's triumph 105-93.
Game 2 of the series had kind of the same outcome for the Suns. While they were able to contain Anthony Edwards' scoring outbursts, Phoenix struggled the entire game to find some good looks for their offensive weapons. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, all of them shot poorly from the field as neither one of them was able to find their rhythm.
That's not a coincidence, Minnesota prepared for this the entire campaign. Their defensive rating was the best in the NBA 's regular season and that's the main reason why the Suns offense frozed completely in the second half, scoring just 42 points. The Wolves have the phisicality, they have the size and they're hungry.
Jaden McDaniels was the main guy for the Wolves, recording 25 points and 8 rebounds while playing relentless D. Ant-Man had an off-night as he finished with 14 points. Karl-Anthony Towns added 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Phoenix lost Grayson Allen in the third quarter due to an ankle sprain. Without its most effective shooter, it was even harder for the Suns to open the floor and generate space. Durant finished with 18 points, shooting 40% from the field. Booker was more efficient, scoring 20 points at 46% of efficiency. Beal had 14 points and shot 35% from the field.
Both teams will meet again next Friday but the series move to Arizona. Phoenix will try to find the energy that they're missing playing with their home crowd. Up to this point, Minnesota has been playing as if they want it more than the Suns.
