A playoff career-high 25 points courtesy of Jaden McDaniels helped propel the Timberwolves to a 105-93 Game 2 win over the Suns at the Target Center.
With Anthony Edwards (15 pts, 3/12 FG) and Karl-Anthony Towns (12 pts, 3/7 FG) both struggling, McDaniels stepped up at the ideal time for Minnesota hitting on 10 of his 17 field goal attempts, pulling down eight rebounds, and finishing a game-high +24.
Rudy Gobert (18 pts, 9 reb, 6/8 FG) and Mike Conley (18 pts, 7/13 FG) were among the other key contributors whilst Nickeil Alexander-Walker (10 pts, 5 reb) provided a steady spark off the bench.
It proved a back-and-forth first half before the Timberwolves began to pull away late in the third with the lead growing as high as 19 in the final frame.
Minnesota converted an extraordinary 31 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers compared to just two off 13 on the other side.
Phoenix – who lost Grayson Allen to an ankle issue – struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the night.
Kevin Durant (18 pts, 6/15 FG), Devin Booker (20 pts, 6/13 FG, fouled out), and Bradley Beal (14 pts, 6/17 FG) shot a combined 18-of-45 and committed 13 turnovers.
The series now shifts to Phoenix on Saturday with the Suns desperate to avoid a 3-0 series deficit.
