The Phoenix Suns secured the no. 6 seed in the NBA's Western Conference Playoffs with a convincing 125–106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center on Monday (PHL).
The win ensured that the Suns will bypass the Play-In tournament, which would have entailed a showdown with Los Angeles Lakers.
Instead, Phoenix will go straight to the Playoffs, taking on the same Timberwolves team in the first round.
Bradley Beal led the charge for Phoenix with an impressive 36 points, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from beyond the arc, while also contributing six rebounds and five assists.
BRAD BEAL ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW? pic.twitter.com/lyWjNAVWNw
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 14, 2024
Devin Booker added 23 points along with seven assists, while Grayson Allen chipped in 20 points, connecting on all three of his 3-point attempts.
The Lakers aided Phoenix's quest for the 6th seed after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans, 124–108.
Despite the Timberwolves having a chance to clinch the West's no. 1 seed, they ultimately fell short. Minnesota's 56-26 record is one game back of Oklahoma City and Denver, and a triple-tie would have had the Wolves in second.
Instead, Oklahoma City and Denver share the West's best record with 57 wins, with the Thunder taking the no. 1 seed.
Still, Minnesota's impressive 56 wins mark the second-highest total in franchise history, trailing only the 2003-04 team led by Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell, and Latrell Sprewell.
The 2003-04 Wolves won 58 games behind an MVP campaign from Garnett, making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals.
Rudy Gobert paced the T-Wolves with 21 points and seven rebounds against the Suns, while Mike Conley contributed 17 points and Edwards added 13. Minnesota struggled with turnovers, committing 24, matching their season-high.
The Suns came out with a sense of urgency right from the start as they surged to a commanding 44-22 lead by the end of the first quarter and maintained a solid 66-53 advantage at halftime.
Despite Minnesota's efforts to narrow the gap, cutting it to 89-78 by the end of the third quarter, Phoenix maintained control.
NOT JUST A THREE-POINT SHOOTER 🗣? pic.twitter.com/FBqDGAVgkX
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 14, 2024
The Suns proceeded to outscore the Timberwolves 36-28 in the final quarter, securing their lead and ultimately clinching the victory.
