The Phoenix Suns returned to winning ways, and got the ultimate seal of approval from Devin Booker in the process, on Saturday night, as they got the better of the New York Knicks.
A win that keeps them in the thick of the playoff conversation, having proven more than halfway through this campaign that this season is no fluke.
Suns have chance to beat Timberwolves in the postseason
With the Suns remaining two games in the loss column behind the Houston Rockets, who sit in fifth in the Western Conference, they continue to put pressure on those above them.
The Minnesota Timberwolves appear locked into that four seed with the Denver Nuggets continuing to win in the absence of Nikola Jokic, which could set the scene for an unexpected playoff pairing.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are just the third team in NBA history to score 100+ points in 100 consecutive games 💯 pic.twitter.com/89qO9Tu1Cc
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) January 17, 2026
The Timberwolves and Suns meeting in the opening round once again.
We all know how that ended last time, superstar Anthony Edwards humbling his idol in Kevin Durant en route to a series sweep. He even broke out the D-Generation X "suck it" celebration, that's how bad it was for Phoenix.
A lot would still have to go right for this pairing to happen in the playoffs, but it looks a lot more likely than at the start of the season when few thought the Suns could win 30 games.
Right now only the Rocket and Los Angeles Lakers sit between that series actually happening in the four-five slot, and it would not be a stretch to say those two teams have had their ups and downs.
The Rockets look like fringe contenders on a lot of nights, and they might even need another former Sun to steady the ship for the stretch run of the regular season.
But Durant has already shown frustration at times with that bunch, and they do need another elite scorer for certain matchups. They are far from unbeatable on any given night.
As for the Lakers, we know Luka Doncic isn't known for elite defending while former Suns first overall pick Deandre Ayton isn't engaged on every possession either.
They might be 24-16, but right now the Suns look much the more cohesive group and they continue to beat opponents who are supposedly better than they are.
We know Phoenix wouldn't be favored in a series, the Timberwolves have really gotten themselves together after a wobbly start, but it would be so much fun to see them try.
It definitely wouldn't be a sweep either, with this group possessing too much effort and determination, plus excellent coaching, to lie down in a seven game series. Game on.