Phoenix, Arizona – The Timberwolves faced a tough Game 4 against the Suns in the NBA Western Conference quarterfinal series at Footprint Center, trailing 3-0 as they aimed to bounce back in the series. Star Tribune staff writer Chris Hine provided live reports, capturing the action before, during, and after the crucial matchup.
As the game progressed, the Wolves found themselves trailing by two points after three quarters, with Devin Booker leading the Suns’ offense. Despite their efforts to cut into Phoenix’s lead, the Wolves faced a challenging fourth quarter with both teams showcasing offensive prowess.
Facing adversity early in the third quarter as Rudy Gobert picked up his fourth foul, the Wolves managed to spark a burst of good offense led by Anthony Edwards. However, the absence of Gobert allowed Phoenix to capitalize on scoring opportunities, making it a challenging battle for the Wolves on the defensive end.
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant emerged as key players for the Suns, tallying impressive points by the end of the third quarter. In response, Edwards stepped up for the Wolves offensively, contributing significantly to keep the team in contention.
The Wolves struggled with their shooting in the first half, trailing the Suns 61-56. Despite efforts from Karl-Anthony Towns and Edwards, the team faced difficulties in finding their rhythm, especially from beyond the arc.
As the game unfolded, the Wolves’ resilience shone through, with Towns leading the team’s scoring efforts while McDaniels provided crucial support. Despite the challenges they faced, the Wolves remained determined to mount a comeback against a formidable Suns team.
Coach Chris Finch emphasized the importance of staying composed and focused amidst the high emotions of a playoff game. With the series presenting unique challenges in terms of scheduling and rest between games, Finch aimed to keep his team grounded and prepared for the task at hand.
Sidelined due to an ankle injury aggravated in Game 2, Suns guard Grayson Allen’s absence created a void in the lineup, affecting the team’s three-point shooting. As Phoenix adjusted its starting lineup, the Wolves looked to capitalize on any weaknesses in their opponent’s roster.
Finch’s impressive coaching performance throughout the season earned him recognition as a finalist for the NBA Coach of the Year award. Despite ultimately finishing third in the voting, behind Mark Daigneault and Jamahl Mosley, Finch’s impact on the Timberwolves’ success was evident throughout the series.