It’s time for the Suns to throw a punch back after taking one to the chin on Saturday in Minnesota.
Who: Phoenix Suns (0-1) at Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0)
When: 4:30 AZ Time
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Watch: TNT
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Phoenix Suns will need a short memory after a disappointing Game 1. After falling short on Saturday by a count of 120-95, the Suns will look to answer back with what would be a massive win to take home court from Minnesota. The Suns have had a rollercoaster season, and it’s fitting for that to continue heading into the playoffs.
Kevin Durant (31 points) did not receive a ton of help and Anthony Edwards (33 points) stole the show in the first battle between the teams. After Phoenix swept the season series, Minnesota showed that regular-season success doesn’t mean a thing come playoff time. Everything resets and starts 0-0.
That’s the mindset the Suns will need entering this one. The blowout loss counts as just that — one loss. If they can secure a tough road win, all of the sudden they head back to Phoenix in what would become a 5-game series with 3 of those games (if necessary) taking place at home.
It’s time to respond.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 23, 2024
Probable Starters
Suns
- Jusuf Nurkic
- Kevin Durant
- Grayson Allen*
- Bradley Beal
- Devin Booker
Timberwolves
- Rudy Gobert
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Jaden McDaniels
- Anthony Edwards
- Mike Conley
Injury Report
The injury report in this one will be a major storyline to watch as a key role player (on each) got banged up in game one. Each are questionable to play on Tuesday.
Suns vs. T-Wolves injury report:
Grayson Allen (ankle) and Kyle Anderson (hip). QUESTIONABLE.
Damion Lee (knee) OUT. #Suns #Timberwolves #NBAPlayoffs https://t.co/mmrxqmLPIh pic.twitter.com/vrhSkJpu1h
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 22, 2024
Suns
- Damion Lee – OUT (Right Meniscus Surgery)
- Grayson Allen — QUESTIONABLE (Ankle)
Timberwolves
- Kyle Anderson — QUESTIONABLE (Hip)
Both Kyle Anderson and Grayson Allen suffered these injuries in Game 1 after a (mostly) clean injury report for both teams heading into the series opener.
Each would be a massive loss as they are integral role players for each team in different ways. Phoenix will hope Allen can suit up, because they are going to need the spacing he provides against a tough Minnesota defense.
Grayson Allen getting up shots at Suns practice pic.twitter.com/lbS3N19Qdc
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 22, 2024
Keys to a Suns Win
- Embrace the physicality (rebound!)
- Take care of the basketball
- Make proper adjustments
- Do not whine! (Al McCoy voice)
What to Watch For
- Bounceback Book?
The Phoenix Suns will need a vintage playoff Devin Booker performance tonight in the Twin Cities. He is still one of the best postseason scorers in NBA history, after all. Booker shot just 5-for-16 in the defeat to finish with 18 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds in 38 minutes of play.
Highest career PPG in NBA Playoff History (min. 40 games):
1. Michael Jordan (33.4)
2. Allen Iverson (29.7)
3. Kevin Durant (29.4)
4. Jerry West (29.1)
5. LeBron James (28.5)
6. Devin Booker (28.0)
7. DONOVAN MITCHELL (27.8) https://t.co/QYe3rajIKm— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 22, 2024
Devin Booker has put up some ridiculous numbers post-game 1 losses in his playoff career. The Wolves did a nice job of making him uncomfortable in Game 1, so adjustments will be needed on his end.
History suggests he is up for the challenge, but that is far from a guarantee in a hostile environment against a tough defense and elite defender in Jaden McDaniels pestering him.
Devin Booker in Game 2s following Game 1 losses in the playoffs:
36.5 PPG
3.0 RPG
7.5 APG
55/53/100%Don’t count him out yet. pic.twitter.com/Dcfg8SqTZc
— Booker Muse (@DevinBookerMuse) April 22, 2024
The best way to bust out of a slump? Attack the rim and get a layup or a trip to the line to see the ball go through the net. We’ve seen all it takes is one shot to get Book going and he’s put together some masterful playoff performances.
Why would tonight be any different? I’m calling an efficient 35-point display of excellence from the Suns’ star. If Minnesota bottles him up again, then some worry would set in. Either way, we’ll see what this group is made of tonight.
- Adjustments Galore?
While the Suns will likely be prepared to make the proper adjustments to what they saw in Game 1, I hope they do not go overboard in this regard. Vogel and company need to be prepared for Minnesota’s counters and adjustments and react in real time.
Phoenix will need to find a way to get Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in more favorable situations while also generating open looks for their role players and surrounding shooters. Spacing is everything for this offense, and that starts in transition. Phoenix needs to play fast against a team that is trying to “slop” it up.
Push the pace, make them rotate and expose them in space.
Jusuf Nurkic and Drew Eubanks need to fight Minnesota down low and make life difficult for Gobert, KAT and Reid. The only way they can beat the Wolves in the paint is by committee — meaning the Suns’ guards and wings will need to dig at the ball, rotate and communicate effectively. Everyone needs to be locked in.
- Rotation Adjustments
If Grayson Allen is unable to go, I’d expect more Royce O’Neale minutes and wouldn’t even be surprised if we got a Josh Okogie appearance to stick on Ant for a few minutes to make him work. Bol Bol, anyone?
Let’s hope he is able to suit up though, because the Suns bench is not deep as we’ve grown to learn over the course of the regular season.
Eric Gordon and Royce O’Neale figure to receive the most burn should Allen be out. John Voita is still paging Eric Gordon. They could certainly use a big Gordon game. Even a few timely threes would be crucial to shift momentum at times.
Either way, it will be interesting to see what rotational adjustments Phoenix makes, if any.
Prediction
Suns bounce back on the road and even this thing up. Gutsy win led by the Book we know.
113-109.
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