When the final buzzer sounded at Target Center on Friday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just win — they sent a message. A 124-109 rout of the Phoenix Suns completed a perfect 4-0 season sweep, turning what was already a tough matchup into a psychological碾压 for Minnesota fans. Julius Randle dropped 25 points with gritty efficiency, while Anthony Edwards, the three-time All-Star, added 20 of his own, proving this team isn’t just building momentum — they’re weaponizing it.
Consistent Domination, Quarter by Quarter
The scoring breakdown told the story: 27-21 in the first, 30-24 in the second, 35-30 in the third, and 32-34 in the fourth. The Suns fought back late, but it was too little, too late. Minnesota didn’t need a miracle run — they just kept pressing, kept hitting open shots, and kept forcing Phoenix into bad decisions. At one point in the third quarter, the Timberwolves went on a 12-2 spurt that turned a four-point lead into a 12-point cushion. The crowd roared. The bench stood. And the Suns? They looked exhausted — not just physically, but mentally.
This wasn’t luck. It was execution. Minnesota’s defense locked down Phoenix Suns’ primary playmaker, Kevin Durant, holding him to just 18 points on 6-of-18 shooting. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ ball movement was crisp — 28 assists on 46 field goals. That’s elite basketball. And it’s the kind of efficiency that wins playoff series.
Why This Sweep Matters
At the time of the game, the Timberwolves sat at 45-31, just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (54-12) and Denver Nuggets (49-17) in the Western Conference. But this sweep wasn’t about standings — it was about identity. Phoenix entered the game at 35-39, with a road record of 12-25. That’s not just bad — it’s historically bad. And Minnesota didn’t just beat them on the road once. They beat them four times, in their own building and theirs, every single time.
“They outworked us,” said Suns head coach Frank Vogel after the game. “We knew what they were going to do. We just couldn’t stop it.”
The twist? This sweep might be the most telling sign yet that the Timberwolves have shed their “playoff pretenders” label. In past seasons, they’d beat a team like Phoenix once or twice — then fold under pressure. This year? They didn’t just show up. They owned the floor.
Home Court Advantage, Amplified
Target Center has become a fortress. Minnesota is now 26-7 at home this season, the second-best record in the West. The energy here isn’t just loud — it’s strategic. Fans know when to rise, when to stay quiet, when to make noise. And the players feed off it. Randle, who signed a four-year, $130 million deal last offseason, has transformed from a high-volume scorer into a true leader. His mid-range game? Unstoppable. His passes? Visionary. His defense? Improved.
And then there’s Edwards. At 22 years old, he’s playing like a veteran MVP candidate. His 20-point night wasn’t flashy — it was clinical. He attacked the rim when needed, pulled up for threes when the defense overplayed, and even drew a critical foul on the final possession of the third quarter that sent him to the line and sealed the momentum.
What’s Next? Playoff Implications
With the sweep complete, the Timberwolves now hold the tiebreaker over Phoenix in case of a postseason meeting. That’s huge. In the Western Conference, where every half-game matters, that could mean home-court advantage in Round 1. And if the Suns — with their 12-25 road record — somehow sneak into the playoffs as the 8th seed? Minnesota won’t fear them. They’ve already beaten them four times. No mystery left.
The Timberwolves’ next game? An away showdown against the Sacramento Kings on Monday. The Suns? They host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, trying to salvage pride before the season ends. But make no mistake — this sweep has already changed the narrative.
The Bigger Picture: A Team on the Rise
This isn’t just about beating a bad road team. It’s about what Minnesota has become. They’ve got the best bench in the West (thanks to Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels). They’ve got two All-NBA-caliber players in Randle and Edwards. And they’ve got a coach in Chris Finch who knows how to maximize talent without overcomplicating things.
Compare this to 2023, when the Timberwolves lost to Phoenix in the playoffs in six games. Back then, Edwards was raw. Randle was inconsistent. Now? They’re a complete team. And if they keep this up, don’t be surprised if they’re the first Western team to knock off the Thunder in the playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this sweep affect the Timberwolves’ playoff seeding?
The sweep gives Minnesota a critical head-to-head tiebreaker over Phoenix, which could determine home-court advantage if both teams finish with identical records. With 45 wins, the Timberwolves are currently 6th in the West — but a win against Sacramento could push them into the top 4, putting them in direct contention for a top-3 seed and avoiding the Thunder until the Western Conference Finals.
Why has Phoenix struggled so badly on the road?
Phoenix’s 12-25 road record is the worst in the Western Conference. Defensive lapses, poor spacing without Kevin Durant, and inconsistent bench production have all contributed. Their offense relies heavily on isolation plays, which fall apart under pressure — something Minnesota’s defense exploited repeatedly. The Suns’ lack of depth and fatigue from travel have also taken a toll.
Is Anthony Edwards becoming an MVP candidate?
Absolutely. Edwards is averaging 26.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this season, with a 58% true shooting percentage. His late-game execution and defensive intensity have improved dramatically. If Minnesota finishes in the top 3 of the West, Edwards will be in serious MVP conversation — especially with his leadership in this sweep.
What does this mean for Julius Randle’s future with Minnesota?
Randle’s performance this season — particularly his chemistry with Edwards — has silenced early doubts about his fit. His 25-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist average in the four games against Phoenix shows he’s more than a scorer. He’s a facilitator and a floor general. If he keeps this up, Minnesota will likely extend him beyond his current contract, making him the cornerstone of their next championship window.
Has any team swept a rival 4-0 in the NBA this season?
Only two teams have swept their division rivals 4-0 this season: the Timberwolves over the Suns, and the Denver Nuggets over the Utah Jazz. In the Western Conference, where parity is high and injuries common, a perfect sweep is rare. This marks the first time Minnesota has swept Phoenix in a full season since 2010.
How does this game compare to past Timberwolves-Suns matchups?
In the 2023 playoffs, Phoenix won 4-2 in a dramatic series, with Devin Booker dropping 40 in Game 6. This year, the roles are reversed. Minnesota’s defense is tighter, their depth is deeper, and Edwards has matured into a closer. The 124-109 win wasn’t just a scoreline — it was a statement that the balance of power has shifted.