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In the fierce race for the 2024 NBA playoffs, the Phoenix Suns suffered a shocking finish. In the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Suns were unexpectedly swept out by their opponents with a total score of 0-4, despite having a star-studded lineup like Durant, Booker and Beal. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Suns' performance, challenges, and possible future directions.
The Suns' last battle
One night in April 2024, the Suns host the Timberwolves in hopes of turning the tide of the game. The game was full of tension and uncertainty, and the score difference was never opened. In the end, the Suns lost 116-122 despite both Durant and Booker finding their form. Especially in the fourth quarter, Beal's turnovers became a key factor in the team's loss.
Durant barely had time to rest in this game, and he only sat for 1 minute and 42 seconds, showing his versatility and tenacity. He was impressive, shooting 12-of-17 from the field, 2-of-3 from three-point range and 7-of-9 from the free-throw line, finishing with 33 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four blocks. Booker also showed his scoring prowess, scoring 49 points on 13-of-21 shooting, 3-of-5 three-pointers and 20-of-21 free throws.
However, Bill's performance has been greatly reduced. He shot 4-of-13 from the field and 1-of-5 from three-point range, made no free throws, scored just nine points, and had six turnovers, five of which came in the crucial fourth quarter. Beal's turnovers led directly to the Timberwolves' scoring streak, especially in the final three minutes, and the Suns' disadvantage was further amplified.
The Suns' road to the playoffs
The Suns' performance this season has been full of ups and downs. While they ended the regular season with 49 wins, they completely lost their regular season shine when they faced the Timberwolves in the playoffs. Although they swept past the Timberwolves 3-0 in the regular season and averaged a 15.7 points per game, the playoffs were a different story. Timberwolves' young star Edwards played well in this round of the series, almost single-handedly upending the Suns' Big Three configuration.
Uncertainty about the future
The challenge for the Suns is not just a loss on the court. Their salary structure, especially the high salaries of the Big Three, and the lack of draft picks in the coming years have limited the team's future signings and rebuilds. Beal's contract is particularly tricky, with annual salaries of $50.2 million, $53.67 million and $57.13 million for the next three years, and trade veto power, which makes the Suns very limited in the market.
In addition, according to a reliable source – manager James Jones said at a press conference after the season that the team will conduct a full assessment. "We need to make some structural adjustments in the offseason to ensure that our core players can better reach their potential in the coming seasons," he noted. ”
Score data
In this crucial playoff game, in addition to the aforementioned Durant, Booker and Beal, the performance of other players also affected the direction of the game. Other key Suns players like Chris Paul had eight points and 12 assists, while center Ayton contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. For the Timberwolves, Edwards led the way with a stunning performance with 37 points, including back-to-back scoring in the crucial final quarter. In addition, Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds, while D'Angelo Russell also scored 18 points and played a key role in the team's victory.
The reason why a player wins or loses
The Timberwolves' victory can be attributed to the explosive performance of their young star Edwards and the team's efficient execution. Not only was Edwards efficient in scoring, but his consistent play against the Suns' experienced guard line in key moments of the game was key to victory. In addition, the Timberwolves also have an advantage in rebounding and secondary offense, which has been their strong point throughout the series.
For the Suns, while Durant and Booker were highly efficient in scoring, Beal's slump and turnovers at key moments significantly affected the team's overall performance. In addition, the Suns appear to be weak on the defensive end, especially when it comes to limiting opponents' fast-break and perimeter shooters.
A major controversy in the game occurred late in the third quarter when Booker was awarded a controversial foul while attempting a three-point shot. Replays showed very slight contact, and the whistle sparked discontent from the crowd and the Suns. In addition, a key steal by Edwards in the final quarter was deemed to be a foul and was not whistled, which also became a hot topic of discussion after the game.
Despite the Suns' strong roster and experienced players, there seems to be a problem with their execution and mental quality in crunch time. Beal's performance was particularly disappointing, as he failed to provide the support he deserved on both the defensive and offensive ends. The Suns will need to put more emphasis on mental and tactical preparation in future games, especially in a high-pressure environment like the playoffs.