Timberwolves Survive Late Suns Push in Friday Night Showdown

It was never really close until the end for the Phoenix Suns, as they trailed the Minnesota Timberwolves practically the entire way in their loss on Friday night.

The Phoenix Suns weren't quite on mark at the Target Center in their 121-116 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Suns, still missing the likes of Devin Booker, Cam Payne, Chris Paul, Cam Johnson and Landry Shamet, fall to 21-23 on the season. They've lost their last eight-of-nine games after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 27.

Deandre Ayton made his return after missing two games due to a sprained ankle and notched a double-double with 11 points and rebounds each, his fourth straight when healthy and on the floor. Damion Lee led the Suns in scoring with 31 points, a career high. Mikal Bridges was a close second with 24.

Phoenix rolled out a starting lineup of Duane Washington Jr.-Bridges-Torrey Craig-Dario Saric and Ayton to counter Minnesota's large lineup that featured Rudy Gobert. 

After allowing 35 points in the first quarter, the Suns went to the locker room down 64-49 at halftime. Despite a late scare from Phoenix where they got as close as six points in the final minute, Minnesota was able to control the game since the opening stages of the first. 

The trio of Washington-Craig-Saric failed to impress with a combined 22 points. Gobert didn't impress either with a mere four points (he scored his first point on a free throw with 5:42 left in the first half) but he did control the boards with 12 rebounds.

Turnovers again spelled trouble for the Suns, as they finished with a total of 19.

Minnesota got up by as much as 24 points in the win and totaled 64 points in the paint. Six starters scored in double figures. 

The Timberwolves went into tonight as the third-best shooting team in the league in terms of field goal percentage. That again held true as Minnesota shot a superb 52.2%.

Anthony Edwards - the usual suspect to lead the Wolves in scoring - again paced the team with 31 points. This is now the 12th time in Minnesota's last 14 games where he's led them in scoring. 

The Suns conclude their road trip with a Monday meeting in Memphis to battle the Grizzlies.