Led by Anthony Edwards, and with an efficient performance, the Minnesota Timberwolves sealed their place in the NBA semifinals by closing the playoff series against the Phoenix Suns 4-0. On Sunday night, the triumph that determined the “sweep” over the rival was a victory by the score of 122 to 116.
The positive result away from home and the 100% success earned Minnesota an early place in the Western Conference. The team now awaits the winner of the clash between Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite Devin Booker’s inspired performance, the Suns could not resist their rival’s greater volume of play. Led by Anthony Edwards, the visitors increased the pace towards the end of the match and recorded their fourth victory in four matches.
Edwards scored 31 of his 40 points in the second half and also had the partnership of Karl-Anthony Towns who, in addition to his good hand (28), also grabbed ten rebounds. “They changed their marking in the second half and I saw the strategy as a challenge. I showed them our potential,” said an excited Edwards.
On the Phoenix Suns side, the highlight was shooting guard Devin Booker. He was the scorer of the game with 49 points and was also one of those responsible for the partial victory at the end of the first half (61 to 56).
Veteran Kevin Durant, 35 years old, was another great team player (33 points). However, in the final part, the home team was unable to maintain its intensity and ended up saying goodbye to the playoffs.
An unusual move happened in the fourth quarter of the match. Minnesota coach Chris Finch tore the patellar tendon in his right knee after a collision with guard Mike Conley. He was trying to dribble down the sidelines when he collided with the coach.
The player tried to stop his fall, but Finch made an expression of pain and immediately grabbed his right knee. Then he left the arena on a cart. The Timberwolves’ medical department confirmed the nature of the injury.
In another game in this Sunday’s round, the Clippers tied the series at 2-2 by beating the Dallas Mavericks 116-111. Even with the absence of Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles franchise opened up a good gap on the scoreboard and was for halftime with 66 to 49 in their favor.
From the third quarter onwards, however, the scenario changed. The Dallas Mavericks set an intense pace and sought to turn the score around. Kyrie Irving finished the duel as a top scorer, scoring 40 points. Luka Doncic reached a “triple-double” with 29 points, ten rebounds and ten assists.
In the final minutes, with both teams fighting for victory, the Dallas Mavericks paid for their collective mistakes. That’s when James Harden’s star shone. The point guard scored seven points in the decisive moments and secured the victory at the opponent’s home ground.
Harden spoke about the importance of the result and his performance. “I’m blessed to be able to change it (the game) and be a facilitator. My mindset coming to this team was to do whatever it takes to win and get to the ultimate goal. Now it’s about fighting game by game.”
Check out this Sunday’s games:
Philadelphia 76ers 92 x 97 New York Knicks
Dallas Mavericks 111 x 116 Los Angeles Clippers
Indiana Pacers 126 x 113 Milwaukee Bucks
Phoenix Suns 116 x 122 Minnesota Timberwolves
Follow this Monday’s games:
Miami Heat x Boston Celtics
New Orleans Pelicans x Oklahoma City Thunder
Denver Nuggets x Los Angeles Lakers