“We did not play as much as our requirements in any respect,” All-Star ahead Kevin Durant mentioned. “We embarrassed the followers and we embarrassed ourselves the best way we performed. I would like us to be higher.”
There’s not a lot proof that is going to occur.
Phoenix misplaced for the eleventh time in 14 video games and fell to 28-33 for the season. The workforce is 4 video games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the ultimate spot within the Western Convention play-in event and can want a minor miracle over the past 21 video games of the season simply to have an opportunity on the post-season.
It’s miles from the scenario that the Suns anticipated again in October. They began the yr with championship aspirations with a highly-paid and completed roster that features Durant, four-time All-Star Devin Booker and three-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
However after an encouraging 8-1 begin to the season, the Suns have a 20-31 document since Nov. 13. Accidents have not helped, however the Suns have been at full energy Sunday night time and nonetheless bought routed in their very own constructing.
“We have got to go on a run, nevertheless it’s bought to begin,” coach Mike Budenholzer mentioned. “There is no doubt that the standings, the circumstances that we’re in, there’s an consciousness and we have to do one thing to vary it.”
Phoenix truly led 51-49 at halftime Sunday, however Minnesota rallied for an 83-72 lead heading into the fourth.
That’s when issues actually went south for the Suns, who did not look like giving a lot effort within the last minutes. That they had 9 turnovers within the fourth quarter together with a number of that led on to straightforward Minnesota baskets. Beal was known as for a Flagrant 1 foul when he pushed Anthony Edwards on a dunk try.
Scattered boos have been heard from the house crowd within the last minutes.
The Timberwolves — led by Edwards’ 44 factors — have been the far superior workforce. Julius Randle returned after lacking greater than a month with a groin damage and had 20 factors. Donte DiVincenzo torched the Suns for eight 3-pointers and the Phoenix defence appeared to have little curiosity in guarding him at instances.
Minnesota was the workforce that swept the Suns out of the playoffs final season within the first spherical. The Timberwolves have gained all three common season conferences this yr.
“When adversity hits, we begin floating a bit of as a workforce,” Durant mentioned. “That’s robust to take care of it.”
Phoenix tied a season excessive with 22 turnovers and gave up a season-high 40 factors off these turnovers. Durant, Booker and Beal mixed for 14 of the turnovers.
“That is why we misplaced,” Durant mentioned. “Forty factors off turnovers, robust to beat that. They did not overpower us on the glass, we simply gave them the ball.”
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