Collin Gillespie scored 20 points, including the go-ahead jumper with 6.4 seconds remaining, as the Phoenix Suns edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-113 on Friday at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Jordan Goodwin’s layup had cut Minnesota’s lead to 113-112 just 21.4 seconds earlier.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 41 points but missed two critical free throws with 12.7 seconds left, giving Phoenix a chance to steal the win. Julius Randle’s buzzer-beating 3-point attempt was off the mark, sealing Minnesota’s narrow defeat.
The Suns overcame an eight-point deficit in the final minute after holding a 62-49 halftime lead, with Dillon Brooks scoring 22 points and Mark Williams adding 19. Gillespie’s four 3-pointers in the first half helped Phoenix build an early lead despite Devin Booker struggling with 16 points on 4-of-18 shooting and nine turnovers.
Minnesota erased a 15-point halftime deficit early in the third quarter, with Edwards scoring 19 points in the period, giving the Timberwolves an 82-81 lead entering the fourth. Despite the rally, Phoenix executed a late-game plan that included careful ball movement and aggressive drives to the basket.
The Suns committed 27 turnovers and saw Booker fouled out with over three minutes remaining, yet they maintained composure to complete the comeback. Williams contributed 19 points, and the Suns’ bench, including Gillespie, played a pivotal role down the stretch.
Phoenix improves to 10-6 overall and 2-0 in NBA Cup play, while Minnesota falls to 10-6 and 2-1 in the tournament. The Timberwolves will visit Sacramento on Monday, while the Suns host San Antonio on Sunday.
