In a game filled with twists, turns, and late-game drama, Julius Randle delivered the biggest moment, hitting a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 120-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon.
Randle, who had already put together an impressive 35-point performance, capped off his night with a clutch 24-footer, securing a dramatic win for his team.
With just 2.1 seconds remaining and the Wolves down by two, Minnesota inbounded the ball after calling a timeout. Randle found himself with the ball and calmly drained the long-distance shot, silencing the Phoenix crowd and completing one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.
While Randle stole the show with his game-winning shot, the victory didn’t come easily for Minnesota. The Suns had been in control for much of the game, leading by as many as 16 points in the first half. Devin Booker, who had been carrying Phoenix offensively in the absence of both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, was on fire, scoring a season-high 44 points. But even a herculean effort from Booker wasn’t enough to seal the win for Phoenix, as the Timberwolves fought back in the second half.
In addition to Randle’s heroics, Anthony Edwards played a key role in the Timberwolves’ comeback. Edwards finished with 24 points, most of which came in the second half, after a quiet first half in which he scored just four points—a career low for him this season in first-half scoring. Edwards’ second-half surge helped Minnesota close the gap, and despite picking up a technical foul during the game, he provided a much-needed boost for the Timberwolves.
Phoenix’s Grayson Allen also made an impact, scoring 18 points off the bench, including several crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter that kept the Suns within striking distance. However, despite Allen’s shooting, the Suns couldn’t hold on to their lead, and Minnesota capitalized on their opportunities in the final moments of the game.
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Looking back at the game’s key moments, the Timberwolves’ timeout with 2.1 seconds left was pivotal. It allowed Minnesota to advance the ball up the floor and execute a play designed specifically to get Randle the shot he needed. The out-of-bounds play worked perfectly, and Randle’s composed finish sealed the victory.
For the Suns, the game was a tale of missed opportunities. Despite their strong first half, Phoenix struggled after halftime, allowing Minnesota to stay within striking distance. The Timberwolves took advantage of their momentum late in the game, and Randle’s clutch performance overshadowed the Suns’ earlier dominance.
On the other side, Randle’s performance was arguably his best as a Timberwolf since being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the New York Knicks before the start of the season. He had been Minnesota’s most consistent scorer all night, and his ability to rise to the occasion in the game’s final moments proved his worth to his new team.
For Edwards, the game was a reminder that even the best players have their off moments. His slow start in the first half left the Timberwolves in a difficult position, but he bounced back strong after the break. His performance serves as a testament to his growth as a player—learning to impact the game even when things aren’t going his way early on.
As for the Suns, the loss was another setback in what has already been a challenging season. With key players sidelined by injury, Phoenix will need to find a way to close out games when they have the lead. Booker’s 44 points showed that he can carry the load, but without Durant and Beal, the Suns’ depth was tested, and ultimately, they fell short in the final moments.
Looking ahead, the Suns will host the Orlando Magic on Monday, hoping to bounce back from this tough defeat. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will take on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, riding high after their dramatic win.
Takeaways:
- Phoenix’s Early Lead: The Suns dominated early, leading by as much as 16 points in the first half, but their inability to close the game out allowed Minnesota to make a comeback.
- Julius Randle’s Impact: Randle’s 35-point performance was the difference-maker, and his game-winning shot will surely be remembered as one of the most iconic moments of the season for the Timberwolves.
- Anthony Edwards’ Second-Half Surge: Edwards struggled early but finished with 24 points, showing his ability to rebound and deliver when his team needed him most.
- Devin Booker’s Heroics: Booker’s 44 points were a remarkable individual effort, but despite his performance, the Suns couldn’t secure the win without their full roster intact.
Key Stats:
- Randle: 35 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer.
- Edwards: 24 points, with 20 of them coming in the second half.
- Booker: 44 points, leading the Suns’ offense.
- Allen: 18 points off the bench, with key 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves’ victory was a testament to their resilience, as they fought back from a double-digit deficit and delivered a dramatic finish. As for the Suns, the loss will surely sting, but they’ll have the chance to regroup quickly as they host Orlando on Monday. For Minnesota, the win is a confidence booster, especially with Randle showing he can be a clutch performer in high-pressure situations.