In a dominant performance, Bradley Beal led the Phoenix Suns (49-33) to a commanding 125-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26), securing the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Beal dropped 36 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc, while Devin Booker contributed 23 points and Grayson Allen added 20 points to fuel the Suns’ victory. Kevin Durant had just 15 points on 6-for-14 shooting.
With the win, Phoenix finished the regular season on a high note, ending with a 10-4 surge and clinching the No. 6 seed after the New Orleans Pelicans’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Suns’ victory sets up a rematch with the Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with Minnesota hosting Game 1 of the best-of-seven series next weekend.
Rudy Gobert led the Timberwolves with 21 points and Mike Conley contributed 17 points, but Minnesota struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses throughout the game.
Beal’s stellar performance extended beyond scoring, as he also played a key role in limiting the impact of Anthony Edwards, who took just seven shot attempts and was held to just 13 points in the game.
Tensions ran high during the game, with Beal engaging in a heated exchange with Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and guard Anthony Edwards, resulting in technical fouls for both players.
