Phoenix Suns: 3 Most Important Games in Final Stretch Before Playoffs

Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves – Wednesday, March 23rd

Currently tied for the Western Conference’s seven/six seed, the Minnesota Timberwolves are just one loss away in the play-in tournament from drawing the Suns as a first round matchup. If that indeed occurs, Phoenix will want to take notes during their contest against them this Wednesday.

The TWolves resemble one of the league’s more dangerous teams right now despite what their record might tell you. Almost all their metrics have skyrocketed since the All-Star break. They feel like one of those young teams with some dog in them, ready to take a bite of anyone in their path.

Phoenix’s 2-0 record vs Minnesota feels a bit loaded as well. While there is certainly something to be said for having pulled those games out in the clutch, the Timberwolves still came at the Suns fearlessly, sticking with them during both contests and never losing by more than 10 points.

Unlike with most other teams, Phoenix’s defense has not been able to slow down Minnesota’s best players so far this year as well. In their first matchup, Karl-Anthony Towns dropped 35 points while taking just 19 shots. During the next, Anthony Edwards put up one of his more complete games this year, adding 27 points and five assists.

On Wednesday night, Minnesota will likely still be playing for playoff positioning, therefore coming in with a far greater motivational edge than Phoenix. That might allow them to finally carve out a victory.

However, the Suns can win the long game though if they remain attentive on the court and by throwing different looks at the TWolves’ best players. Just by paying extra attention to Minnesota’s tendencies and experimenting with different defensive sets to see what works best against the Ant-Man and Towns, they better prepare themselves for the real fight yet to come.