By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 02:33 GMT, 29 March 2025 | Updated: 02:33 GMT, 29 March 2025
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Julius Randle scored 25 points, Anthony Edwards finished with 20 after missing the second quarter due to injury and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Phoenix Suns 124-109 on Friday night.
The Timberwolves completed a four-game season sweep of the Suns. Minnesota has won its last seven against Phoenix, dating to last year´s postseason.
Edwards was hit in the face by Phoenix's Kevin Durant with 2:43 to play in the first quarter. Edwards attempted to intercept a pass intended for Durant, whose arm caught Edwards in the nose. Edwards fell to the ground in pain and remained down for a minute before being escorted to the locker room.
Durant had a team-best 23 points for Phoenix. Collin Gillespie added a career-high 22 points and nine assists.
The Suns have lost two in a row after winning four straight games. The Suns' Bradley Beal missed his sixth straight game due to a left hamstring injury.
Suns: Gillespie´s scoring outburst was a surprise for Phoenix. He had reached double-digit points just twice this season and averaged 4.0 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) is fouled by Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. Edwards was injured on the play. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Timberwolves: Without Edwards for an extended period, Minnesota managed to keep Phoenix at a distance. The Wolves took a 12-point lead into halftime, thanks to offense from Randle, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels.
The incident between Durant and Edwards had Timberwolves fans concerned. Minnesota's star didn't return until after halftime. When he did take the floor again, he received a standing ovation from the home fans.
Devin Booker, the Suns´ second-leading scorer, finished with 10 points, matching his season low. He didn't score his first points until 3:33 remained in the third quarter. Booker missed his first eight shots overall and first five from long distance.
Both teams play Sunday. Phoenix hosts Houston, while Minnesota hosts Detroit.
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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) leaves the court with trainers after sustaining an injury during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) gestures toward a referee during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35), left, shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) works toward the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) follows while defended by Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) works toward the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) lays on the ground after sustaining an injury during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)