© Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
MINNESOTA – The Suns are still down their two star shooting guards, though they are taking care of the Timberwolves and lead Minnesota 61-57 in the first half of Monday’s matchup.
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The T-wolves were riding a five-game winning streak at home, though you wouldn’t know from the way Monday night’s game started. Defense was the key for Phoenix early on, as they were able to hold Minnesota to just 23 points at the end of the first quarter. The Suns were also giving their bench players, who have been shining recently, some quality minutes early in the first quarter. Jamaree Bouyea and Jordan Goodwin are definitely finding their moments to attack the rim and make sure that Phoenix gets quality shots from their role players.
Dec 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark (22) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Dillon Brooks was able to fight through his left Achilles soreness and started for Phoenix, and felt good enough to play after pregame warmups. Brooks was a huge piece of the puzzle for the Suns in the first meeting with the Timberwolves, and Phoenix relied on him early again, before needing the role players to help bring some offense.
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota forward Julius Randle (30) moves the ball against Phoenix forward Ryan Dunn (0) in the second half of an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix knows they need their role players to step up and give Brooks some offensive support. Collin Gillespie, in the second quarter, was finding Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodoro slashing to the rim with authority and was capitalizing on their size and speed. If they can make sure they capitalize on those moments and not squander easy opportunities in the paint, that attack could be massive in the future as well for Phoenix.
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts against Phoenix during an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Winning the turnover battle was a major key for Phoenix beating Minnesota in their first game, and they were able to capitalize on the turnovers again on Monday. If Phoenix can keep defending the way they are, keep winning the rebound battles, focus on transition offense, and execute on their open opportunities, they will have a chance to ruin the Timberwolves’ home streak.
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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
