Phoenix Suns’ Season Hits New Low with Loss to Timberwolves

Phoenix Suns Hit Rock Bottom with Crushing Loss to Timberwolves

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns’ season, which began with so much promise, has taken a nosedive, reaching a new low on Sunday night. The Suns suffered a humiliating 116-98 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving fans and players alike in disbelief.

After the game, All-Star forward Kevin Durant didn’t mince words. “We didn’t play up to our standards at all,” he said. “We embarrassed the fans and we embarrassed ourselves the way we played. I want us to be better.”

The loss marked the 11th defeat in 14 games for Phoenix, dropping their season record to 28-33. The Suns now find themselves four games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. With only 21 games left in the season, the Suns need nothing short of a miracle to make it to the postseason.

Back in October, the Suns had high hopes for the season. With a roster featuring Durant, four-time All-Star Devin Booker, and three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, they were eyeing a championship. They even started the season strong with an 8-1 record. However, since November 13, the Suns have struggled, posting a 20-31 record.

Injuries have played a part in their struggles, but on Sunday night, the Suns were at full strength. Despite this, they were thoroughly outplayed in their own arena.

Coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the dire situation. “We’ve got to go on a run, but it’s got to start,” he said. “There’s no doubt that the standings, the circumstances that we’re in, there’s an awareness and we’ve got to do something to change it.”

The game started with some promise for Phoenix, as they led 51-49 at halftime. However, Minnesota came out strong in the second half, taking an 83-72 lead into the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter, the Suns seemed to lose their fight. They committed nine turnovers, many of which led to easy baskets for Minnesota. Beal was even called for a flagrant foul 1 after pushing Anthony Edwards on a dunk attempt. The home crowd, clearly frustrated, began to boo.

The Timberwolves, led by Edwards’ 44 points, were clearly the superior team. Julius Randle made a strong return after a month-long absence due to a groin injury, contributing 20 points. Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo was on fire, hitting eight 3-pointers, while the Suns’ defense seemed uninterested in stopping him.

It’s worth noting that Minnesota was the team that swept Phoenix out of the playoffs last season in the first round. This season, the Timberwolves have won all three regular-season meetings against the Suns.

Durant summed up the team’s struggles, saying, “When adversity hits, we start floating a little as a team. That’s tough to deal with it.”

The Suns tied a season high with 22 turnovers and allowed a season-high 40 points off those turnovers. Durant, Booker, and Beal were responsible for 14 of those turnovers.

Durant was candid about the loss, stating, “That’s why we lost. Forty points off turnovers, tough to overcome that. They didn’t overpower us on the glass, we just gave them the ball.”

• Key Takeaways:
• Phoenix Suns’ record: 28-33
• 11 losses in the last 14 games
• Four games behind Dallas Mavericks for the play-in tournament
• Season-high 22 turnovers, leading to 40 points for Minnesota