SUMMARY
- Anthony Edwards led the Wolves to a third consecutive victory over the Suns in the playoffs.
- After having an outstanding third quarter, Nickeil Alexander-Walker gave props to Edwards' leadership.
Anthony Edwards certainly had the Phoenix Suns scrambling to find an outlet to win Game 3. However, the Suns’ downfall was due to poorly executed defensive plays. During the first half of the game, it almost seemed like the Suns grasped a win while the Minnesota Timberwolves entered foul trouble. But things eventually turned around and the Suns simply couldn’t execute offensive plays to find open looks for their men.
Despite the close first half, the Wolves never allowed the Suns to take the lead while they led by as much as 24 points in the third quarter. Once again, fans are questioning Frank Vogel’s championship creditability while the Suns go 0-3 in the series. Phoenix has three exceptional scorers but no primary facilitator on the roster. The Suns’ Big 3 was left to fend for themselves with no off-ball defense or playmaking.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker pays respect to Anthony Edwards for carrying the Timberwolves’ offense
During the third quarter, Nickeil Alexander-Walker dominated from the perimeter nailing 4 three-point field goals. These were four wide-open looks given by the Suns which also helped the Wolves extend their lead. Walker, who finished with 16 points coming off the bench praised Anthony Edwards despite being the leading factor in the Wolves’ victory.
NAW was making it rain in the desert ☔
Lea B. Olsen caught up with Alexander-Walker after the win over the Phoenix Suns. #WolvesBack pic.twitter.com/FG1Yi9UMaY
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) April 27, 2024
He said, “He’s hungry and he knows what’s at stake. And I think he’s embraced his role all season. The good, the bad, and all the responsibility that’s been on his shoulders. I think he’s been a champ at that. He’s been locked in and trying to do the most for the team.” Edwards had a historic night after recording his seventh 30-point playoff game. He tied Kevin Garnett’s franchise record which was set over a decade ago.
Rudy Gobert compliments the growth Anthony Edwards has shown since last season
Rudy Gobert was acquired by the Wolves ahead of the 2022-23 season. Gobert has been anchoring the defense in the NBA this season and ranks atop the nominees for this year’s Defensive Player of the Year title. Last year, the Wolves made it to the playoffs right after two play-in tournament games but lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in six games.
Having spent over two years with Edwards, Gobert highlighted a couple of key changes that have helped the Wolves become arguably the best team in the Western Conference. He said, “His playmaking, for sure. His ability to see what’s happening on the floor. And his ability to pick the defense apart regardless of the coverage.”
The 3x DPOY added, “Last year and early this year, they were putting guys on him and he didn’t really like that. I feel like over the course of the year, he started to realize and embrace the fact that when they put two on you, it’s the highest form of respect.” The Suns have noticeably double-teamed Edwards a lot throughout the series. Yet, he still averages 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists while recording two 30-point games in the series. The Wolves have never gone 4-0 before, so maybe this might be their chance to make history.