The Timberwolves defeated the Phoenix Suns in the NBA playoffs on Sunday with a 122-116 victory in game four, led by Anthony Edwards who scored 40 points. This win marked their first time advancing to the second round in 20 years.
The Timberwolves managed to advance to the second round despite a strong performance from Devin Booker and Durant of the Phoenix Suns, who combined for 72 points. They are set to face either the Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Lakers, with the Nuggets currently leading the series 3-1.
Edwards overcame a slow start to help his team secure the victory, with Booker scoring 49 points and Durant adding 33. The game featured 23 lead changes and neither team held a lead of more than six points. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing end to the season for the Phoenix Suns, who had high expectations for a deep playoff run after acquiring Bradley Beal to form a “Big Three” with Durant and Booker.
In Dallas, the Clippers managed to hold off a remarkable comeback attempt by the Mavericks, ultimately winning 116-111 to tie their Western Conference series at 2-2. Despite Kawhi Leonard’s absence due to injury, Paul George led the Clippers with 33 points, 26 of which came in the first half to help build a 31-point lead.
In the fourth quarter, James Harden scored 15 of his 33 points as Dallas, led by Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, threatened to make a historic comeback. Irving scored 40 points, including a crucial layup that briefly gave the Mavericks the lead, while Doncic recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, it was George, Harden, and the Clippers who ultimately secured the victory in the closing minutes.
In Philadelphia, Jalen Brunson scored 47 points, setting a new record for the New York franchise in a playoff game as the Knicks took a 3-1 lead against the Sixers. Brunson also contributed 10 assists in a 97-92 victory, putting reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid and the Sixers on the verge of elimination. OG Anunoby scored 16 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, showcasing strong defense against Embiid, who led the Sixers with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the opportunity to secure the series win at home on Tuesday, Brunson chose not to dwell on his record-breaking performance.
In Indianapolis, the Indiana Pacers made 22 three-pointers in a 126-113 win against the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks to go up 3-1 in the series. Myles Turner had a career-high seven three-pointers and scored 29 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 24 points for the Pacers, who had six players scoring in double digits.
The Bucks, missing Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a calf injury and also without Damian Lillard, had Bobby Portis ejected in the first quarter following an altercation with Andrew Nembhard. Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 27 points, and Khris Middleton, who suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter but continued playing, added 25 points. The Bucks will aim to extend the series when they host game five on Tuesday.
