© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – It was a tale of two halves on Friday night as the Phoenix Suns ended up capitalizing on a strong start and a lead at halftime, and were able to overcome a tough second half with late game heroics from Collin Gillespie to defeat by the Timberwolves by a score of 114 to 113.
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Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Devin Booker (left) controls the ball as forward Royce O’Neale (right) defends against the Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns went into the half with a 62-49 lead, and it slowly vanished at the start of the third quarter. The Suns couldn’t contain Anthony Edwards, and the turnover issues came back again. It didn’t get any better as Phoenix was outscored by Minnesota 33-19 in the third quarter.
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Devin Booker (left) drives to the basket against Minnesota guard Jaylen Clark (22) in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Suns weren’t able to overcome the turnovers and Minnesota took advantage as they were able to exploit the mismatches and let Anthony Edwards take over. Edwards ended his night with 41 points and 4 assists. The second half of the NBA Emirates Cup had its hiccups becuase of the turnovers, and they found themselves down to Minnesota by a score of 92-97 with 5:49 left in the fourth and needed to make some adjustments with momentum slowly shifting their way.
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Timberwolves guard Anthony (5) drives to the basket against the Phoenix guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Friday night had some late game dramatics as the lead kept switching back-and-forth between Phoenix and Minnesota. A pair of missed free throws from Dillon Brooks and overcoming turnover and rebounding issues, all while locking in while letting Minnesota get the momentum late, were main factors in Phoenix’s win on Friday. Suns fans were loud on Friday night as they were able to prevail and take down Minnesota in a strong-willed effort after a roller coaster type of night by a final score of 114 to 113.
Collin Gillespie steps up big for Phoenix Suns in first half vs Timberwolves
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
