The Phoenix Suns proved once again that resilience can outweigh a depleted roster. Despite missing star scorers Devin Booker and Jalen Green due to injuries, the Suns marched into Target Center on Monday night (Dec. 8, US time) and escaped with a hard-fought 108–105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The win lifted Phoenix to a 14–10 record and demonstrated the depth and determination of a team refusing to be derailed by adversity.
This matchup carried emotional weight for both sides. It was the first meeting since Minnesota surrendered an eight-point lead in the final 50 seconds and fell 114–113 to the Suns on Nov. 21 in Phoenix. That collapse still haunted the Timberwolves, and they entered the rematch eager for revenge. Instead, they found themselves locked in another wire-to-wire battle—one that once again slipped away in the final moments.
Balanced Scoring Leads Phoenix to Victory
With multiple scorers unavailable, Phoenix needed contributions from across the roster, and that is exactly what they received. Six Suns players reached double figures, showcasing the collective effort that carried them through the night.
Center Mark Williams delivered one of his best games of the season, leading Phoenix with 22 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting, while also adding 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Williams’ presence in the paint was instrumental, especially against one of the NBA’s top defensive frontcourts.
Guard Collin Gillespie stepped up as well, scoring 19 points—including 11 crucial points in the fourth quarter—to help Phoenix withstand Minnesota’s late push. His shot-making in the closing minutes was a key difference maker.
Veteran forward Dillon Brooks, who entered the game as questionable due to soreness in his left Achilles tendon, clearly wasn’t at full strength. He shifted in and out of the rotation as needed, but still managed to post 18 points while taking on tough defensive assignments late in the game. His grit set the tone for a team playing through collective pain.
The biggest statistical turnaround came from Phoenix’s ball security. After committing a season-high 28 turnovers in their previous meeting with Minnesota, the Suns were far more composed this time, registering only nine turnovers. They also punished Minnesota’s mistakes efficiently—turning 15 Timberwolves turnovers into 24 points on the other end.
Rudy Gobert Ejected for Flagrant 2 Foul
The game’s most dramatic moment came midway through the third quarter. Suns center Mark Williams drove down the lane and elevated for what appeared to be an uncontested dunk. But Rudy Gobert, rotating late from the weak side, swung his forearm directly into Williams’ rib area while he was airborne.
Williams’ momentum was violently redirected, sending him crashing onto the floor. Gobert immediately raised his hand, acknowledging the foul, but officials deemed the contact excessive and dangerous. After review, the foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, resulting in Gobert’s automatic ejection.
The play sparked frustration inside Target Center and shifted the momentum. Minnesota, now without their defensive anchor, struggled to contain Phoenix’s interior attack.
Anthony Edwards’ Monster Night Not Enough
Minnesota’s All-Star guard Anthony Edwards entered this game with extra motivation, still haunted by the two missed free throws that helped cost the Timberwolves their previous matchup against Phoenix. His performance on Monday reflected a determination to redeem himself.
Edwards delivered an explosive 40-point outing on a blistering 15-of-21 shooting clip, while also grabbing 9 rebounds. He scored from all three levels, attacked the basket relentlessly, and carried the Timberwolves’ offense through extended stretches.
But even Edwards’ brilliance could not overcome Minnesota’s lack of execution down the stretch, nor the absence of Gobert’s defensive presence in the final quarter. The loss snapped the Timberwolves’ five-game winning streak and marked another close defeat at the hands of the Suns.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The schedule offers no rest for Phoenix. The Suns now turn their attention to the NBA Cup 2025 quarterfinals, where they will face the surging Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday (US time). With Booker and Green still sidelined, the Suns will once again lean on their depth and high-effort contributors.
Minnesota, meanwhile, will aim to regroup quickly. They return to action Friday night in a matchup against the Golden State Warriors—a test that will require sharper defensive discipline and more balanced offensive production.
Despite entering the game short-handed, the Suns showcased the traits of a team capable of competing through adversity: composure, balanced scoring, and defensive commitment. If they can maintain that formula, Phoenix may continue surprising opponents even while waiting for their stars to return.
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