Suns Stun Timberwolves 114-113 as Edwards Drops 41 in Nail-Biting Finish
With 6.4 seconds left and the Phoenix Suns trailing by two, NBA Cup fans at the Footprint Center held their breath. Then came the explosion: a step-back three from Devin Booker, a contested layup by Deandre Ayton, and a free throw from Kevin Durant—nine points in 49 seconds. The Minnesota Timberwolves had fought back from 14 points down. They’d seen Anthony Edwards go nuclear. But it wasn’t enough. The Suns won 114-113 on Friday, November 21, 2025, in a game that will be replayed for years.
The Comeback That Almost Was
The Timberwolves hadn’t led since 2:34 in the first quarter. By halftime, they were down 62-52. But then came the third quarter—a 15-4 run over 3:28 that tied the game at 68. Anthony Edwards was unstoppable: 31 points by the 5:27 mark, five three-pointers already in the books. He hit a corner triple off a screen, then stole a pass and went coast-to-coast. Fans in the stands were on their feet. The Timberwolves had collected four offensive rebounds in the first half alone. Ryan Dunn, the rookie off the bench, was a constant nuisance, hitting a clutch corner three that had the crowd roaring.
The Final 49 Seconds: A Masterclass in Clutch
With 2:21 left, the Suns were down 106-104. The game looked over. Then everything changed. Devin Booker pulled up from 24 feet—swish. Deandre Ayton crashed the glass after a missed Jaden McDaniels jumper, got fouled, and sank both free throws. With 18 seconds left, Kevin Durant caught the ball at the elbow, faked a pass, drove left, and finished through contact. The Timberwolves called timeout with 6.4 seconds left, down 114-113.
Minnesota’s last shot? A high-arcing three from Anthony Edwards at the top of the key. It was clean. It was high. It was… short. The buzzer sounded. The Suns bench poured onto the court. The crowd chanted "PHOENIX! PHOENIX!" as Edwards stood frozen, hands on hips, staring at the scoreboard. 41 points. 14-of-24 shooting. 5-of-11 from deep. And still, he lost.
Who Stepped Up When It Mattered?
Edwards was a one-man wrecking crew. But the Suns had depth. Devin Booker finished with 28 points and seven assists, including the dagger three. Deandre Ayton had 22 points, 14 rebounds, and three crucial offensive boards in the final five minutes. Kevin Durant added 20 points and three assists, playing 38 minutes with a quiet, cold-blooded efficiency. Even Mike Conley, the 37-year-old veteran, hit a key mid-range jumper with 1:12 left to stop a Minnesota run.
Minnesota’s supporting cast? Struggled. Naz Reid had 16 points but missed his last four shots. Jaden McDaniels was held to 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting. The Timberwolves shot just 37% from the field for the game. They were outrebounded 48-42. They turned the ball over 16 times.
Why This Game Matters
This wasn’t just another regular-season game. It was Group Play in the NBA In-Season TournamentFootprint Center. The top team in each four-team group advances to the single-elimination quarterfinals in Las Vegas. The Suns improved to 3-1 in group play. The Timberwolves, despite their 10-6 overall record and 5-3 road mark, fell to 2-2. One loss could cost them the top seed.
Historically, this was the second meeting between the teams in 2025-26. The first, on October 28 in Minneapolis, ended in a 118-115 Timberwolves win. Friday’s result flipped the script. It sent a message: Phoenix isn’t just a playoff team. They’re a tournament team.
What’s Next?
The Suns face the Los Angeles Lakers next in their final group game. The Timberwolves play the Portland Trail Blazers. Both games are critical. If Phoenix wins, they clinch the group. If Minnesota loses again, they’re likely headed to the play-in game for the final Western Conference spot.
And then there’s Edwards. He’s averaging 31.2 points this season. He’s the league’s most electrifying scorer. But can he carry a team deep into the playoffs? Friday’s game didn’t answer that. But it made us ask it louder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Anthony Edwards’ 41 points compare to other NBA In-Season Tournament performances?
Edwards’ 41 points were the highest single-game total in the 2025 NBA In-Season Tournament, surpassing the previous high of 38 by Luka Dončić in a November 12 game. Only two players in tournament history have scored 40+ in a group-stage game—Edwards and Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2023. Despite the scoring outburst, his team lost, making it one of the most productive individual efforts in tournament history to end in defeat.
Why did the Suns’ offense suddenly explode in the final minute?
The Suns’ late surge wasn’t luck—it was execution. Phoenix ran a series of ball-screens with Booker and Durant, forcing Minnesota’s defense to rotate. With Deandre Ayton drawing two defenders, the open shooters were left unguarded. The team had practiced this exact sequence for over a week after losing to the Lakers in a similar late-game scenario. The 49-second run was the result of preparation, not desperation.
What does this loss mean for the Timberwolves’ playoff chances?
Minnesota’s 10-6 record still makes them a top-four Western Conference team, but losing to Phoenix—especially in a tournament game that counts for seeding—could cost them home-court advantage. With the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors also in the mix, a second loss in group play puts them on the bubble. If they finish third in their group, they’ll face the top seed in the first round of the playoffs—likely a death sentence.
How significant is the NBA In-Season Tournament for team standings?
The tournament doesn’t affect regular-season records, but it does influence playoff seeding. Teams that advance earn a bonus win in the standings, and group winners get a slightly easier path in the first round of the playoffs. For teams like the Suns, who are trying to climb from the 7th to the 4th seed, every tournament win is a strategic advantage. For the Timberwolves, it’s about proving they can close out close games against elite competition.
Who were the key players for the Suns besides Booker and Durant?
Deandre Ayton was the unsung hero, grabbing 14 rebounds and scoring 22 points, including three offensive boards in the final three minutes. Mike Conley provided veteran poise, hitting two clutch jumpers and dishing four assists in the fourth quarter. Even Damion Lee, who scored just 8 points, made a critical defensive stop on Naz Reid with 32 seconds left, forcing a contested miss that led to the final Suns possession.
Did injuries or rotations play a role in the outcome?
Yes. The Timberwolves were without starting guard Rudy Gobert, who missed the game with a calf strain. His absence hurt their rim protection, allowing Ayton to dominate inside. Meanwhile, the Suns played their full rotation, with Kevin Durant logging 38 minutes and Devin Booker playing 41. Depth and health gave Phoenix the edge when it mattered most.