If it feels like these two teams just played each other, well, that’s because
they have.
The Wolves beat the Suns 116-114 at home on Sunday night, thanks to a Derrick
Rose shot at the buzzer.
Instead of Phoenix rising, Derrick Rose. pic.twitter.com/vJyuqdD0dR
This time, though, the game will be played in Phoenix.
The Wolves go into the game with a 22-24 record, 11th in the West and three
games back from the eighth seed.
The Suns are 11-37, 15th in the West.
This will be the third and final matchup between the two teams this season. The
series is split at 1-1 with both teams winning on their homecourts.
This is a somewhat soft spot in Minnesota’s schedule and the Wolves know they
need to take advantage of it to stay in the Western Conference playoff hunt.
Rookie Deandre Ayton missed Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. Ayton has had a
sneaky-good rookie season (he’s been overshadowed by one Luka Doncic), averaging
16.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
With missing Ayton and Richaun Holmes on Sunday, Karl-Anthony Towns took
advantage of Phoenix’s lack of depth, finishing with 30 points, 12 rebounds,
four assists, four steals and a block. If Phoenix is short handed again, expect
another big stat game from KAT.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has now played 17 games for the Suns after being traded from the
Wizards for Trevor Ariza. The change of scenery appears to have been a good
thing for the former 15th overall pick.
Here are his numbers with the Wizards and Suns this season:
Wizards: 26 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 43.3 FG%, 31.1 3P%Suns: 26.3 MPG,
14.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 45.5 FG%, 37.5 3P%
The tools are there for Oubre Jr. He’s a long wing who can play multiple
positions (this screams MODERN NBA!), and he’s only 23 years old. The Suns
traded a veteran for a player more on their timeline and it appears to be paying
off.
Kelly Oubre Jr’s 26 PTS and clutch put-back slam propels the @Suns past SAC!
#TimeToRise pic.twitter.com/sEEadN4tb1
Wolves: Robert Covington (knee) and Tyus Jones (ankle) are out.
Suns: Richaun Holmes (foot) and Deandre Ayton (ankle) are questionable.
Wolves: PG – Teague, SG – Okogie, SF – Wiggins, PF – Gibson, C – Towns
Suns: PG – Melton, SG – Booker, SF – Bridges, PF – Warren, C – Bender
Media Content:
https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/scouting-report-wolves-suns-1-22-2019
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Timberwolves,
Phoenix Suns
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Story Link:
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