The Minnesota Timberwolves triumphed over the Phoenix Suns with a score of 122-116, marking their first playoff series win in two decades and sweeping the Western Conference first-round with a 4-0 record in a historic victory.
Anthony Edwards was the standout performer, amassing 40 points, with a remarkable 31 coming in the latter half, alongside nine rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed significantly with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaden McDaniels added a solid 18 points to the tally.
Despite stellar performances from the Suns’ Devin Booker, who achieved a playoff career-best of 49 points, and Kevin Durant, who chipped in with 33 points, it wasn’t enough to stave off the Timberwolves’ charge.
The Timberwolves now await their next challenge, set to face either the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming Western Conference semi-finals.
A dramatic moment unfolded as the Timberwolves had to finish the game sans their coach Chris Finch, who required assistance off the court after an accidental collision with player Mike Conley, leaving only 1:41 on the clock.
In other NBA action, the Indiana Pacers secured a comfortable 126-113 victory against a depleted Milwaukee Bucks, advancing to a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series. The Bucks, missing key players Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo due to injuries and having Bobby Portis sent off early, couldn’t keep pace with the Pacers. Myles Turner led the scoring for Indiana with 29 points, and Tyrese Haliburton overcame a back issue to contribute 24 points.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers narrowly escaped a remarkable comeback attempt by the Dallas Mavericks, clinching a 116-111 win to even out their Western Conference series at 2-2.
The Mavericks, initially trailing by 31 points, rallied behind Kyrie Irving’s 40 points to take the lead, only for the Clippers to reclaim control in the dying moments, thanks to James Harden and Paul George, each scoring 33 points.
Despite a triple-double from the Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, who notched up 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Clippers managed to hold on for the win. The series heads back to Los Angeles for game five on Wednesday.
In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks edged out the Philadelphia 76ers 97-92, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. Jalen Brunson was the hero for the Knicks, pouring in 47 points and dishing out 10 assists, making him the first player in the franchise’s history to achieve at least 30 points and 10 assists in back-to-back playoff games. Brunson’s remarkable effort helped the Knicks rebound from their game three loss and move one step closer to the next round.
Reported By BBC Sports
