Julius Randle delivered a clutch performance, capping a 35-point game with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 120-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
The Timberwolves improved to 8-6 on the season, handing Phoenix (9-5) a narrow loss.
With just 2.1 seconds remaining, Minnesota advanced the ball after a timeout and found Randle, who drained a 24-footer as time expired. The dramatic shot sealed the Timberwolves’ fifth win in their last seven games.
Phoenix’s Devin Booker had a dominant outing, scoring a season-high 44 points. Booker carried the Suns in the absence of injured stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, but his efforts fell short of securing a win.
Anthony Edwards added 24 points for Minnesota, bouncing back from a quiet first half to help keep the Timberwolves competitive.
Edwards also received a technical foul, coinciding with a league fine for a previous incident during Friday’s game against Sacramento.
The Suns appeared in control early, building a 16-point lead in the first half. However, a resilient Timberwolves team fought back after halftime, outscoring Phoenix 65-52 in the second half.
Grayson Allen contributed 18 points off the bench for Phoenix, including several crucial fourth-quarter three-pointers. Despite his contributions, Minnesota’s late-game execution proved decisive.
This was Randle’s best performance since joining Minnesota in a preseason trade from the New York Knicks. He was the team’s most consistent scorer throughout the night, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
Phoenix struggled to maintain their early dominance, allowing Minnesota to climb back into the game with improved ball movement and defensive adjustments.
Minnesota’s bench played a pivotal role, with Donte DiVincenzo scoring 15 points on five three-pointers. Naz Reid added 13 points and four rebounds, providing much-needed support for the Timberwolves’ starters.
Rudy Gobert anchored Minnesota’s defense, grabbing 10 rebounds and recording four blocks. His effort in the paint helped limit Phoenix’s second-chance opportunities.
