The Minnesota Timberwolves face off against the Phoenix Suns on March 28, 2025, at 7 PM CDT. The Wolves, clinging to the 8-seed after losing three of four games and recently dominated by Obi Toppin, must wake up as playoffs approach. They have historically beaten the Suns but need to improve their focus and urgency after recent defensive lapses. Keys to victory include strong defense against stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, exploiting their size advantage in the paint, improving ball movement, and hitting open shots. The team must have top performances from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle to clinch a crucial win.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns
Date: March 28th, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM CDT
Location: Target Center
Television Coverage: NBA TV/FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: KFAN FM/Wolves App/iHeart Radio
Wolves vs. Suns: Time to Get Up, Show Up, and Gear Up
For Timberwolves supporters, here’s the silver lining: The team has lost three of their last four games and is currently hanging onto the 8-seed, having just witnessed Obi Toppin deliver the performance of a lifetime against them. Is that really the good news? Absolutely—because it signals that the team must shake off their “late March slumber” and get back to what made them formidable during that eight-game winning streak. The playoffs are nearly upon us; it’s time to stop pressing that snooze button.
Enter: Phoenix.
Target Center. Under the national spotlight. A clash between two teams anxiously checking the standings as if they just received an unexpected credit card statement. The Wolves have dominated the Suns seven times in a row, including a playoff sweep, treating Phoenix like a chew toy since last April. But if you think Kevin Durant and Devin Booker will easily concede an eighth loss? You must have also believed that True Detective Season 4 would maintain its quality all the way through.
Let’s take a step back. The Wolves have recently demonstrated that, despite possessing one of the most talented rosters in the league, they can lose to teams with diminished lineups and those vying for lottery picks. They suffered defeats to a shorthanded Pacers, a rebuilding Pelicans, and almost let an injured Magic team seize a win as well. The cause? An alarming lack of defensive urgency, insufficient ball movement, and, frankly, pride. The Wolves resembled the overconfident student who didn’t study and flunked the final—too much coasting, too little concentration.
But here lies the chance. The Suns are reeling after a crushing defeat to Boston. Bradley Beal is unavailable. Phoenix is fighting for its playoff existence, clinging to the 10-seed as if it’s a lifeboat in Titanic. This is their last stand. And the Wolves? They should be hungry for a win. With three days to recuperate, reflect, and scrutinize the standings like they’re poring over the fine print on a Vegas timeshare, it’s time to make a statement tonight.
Key #1: Focus on Defense, Defense, and More Defense.
The Wolves’ core identity this season—when they’re on point—has been their defense. When they’re active, communicating, and rotating effectively, they look like a team capable of upsetting anyone. If not? They’ll concede 120 points to lineups that would struggle in the G League. The Wolves must apply relentless pressure on Booker and Durant—utilizing McDaniels, NAW, or even Jaylen Clark if necessary. Don’t allow Durant to settle into a groove. Don’t let Booker find his rhythm. Force Phoenix’s lesser options to make plays. (Spoiler: They usually can’t.)
Key #2: Leverage the Size Advantage.
The Suns are undersized. Gobert, Randle, and Naz Reid should completely dominate the paint. Rudy should be vacuuming boards like a Roomba. Randle needs to channel his inner bully. If Finch optimizes McDaniels’ positioning in the dunker spot, we might see some easy buckets again. Remember those?
Key #3: Ball Movement is Essential. Hero Ball is Not.
During the winning streak, the Wolves’ offense was a thing of beauty: swift passes, quick decisions, open shots, and paint touches—basketball. However, in their recent losses, it felt like a group chat with no responses—too much standing around, too much “my turn, your turn.” Edwards and Randle isolating for contested shots while four teammates watch like it’s karaoke night. That routine has to change. Allow Conley to orchestrate. Let the offense flow.
Key #4: Make Your Shots—For the Love of Kevin Harlan.
Lately, it’s been frigid in Minnesota, and I’m not referring to the weather. The Wolves are missing three-pointers as if it were part of their game plan. Ant has gone 1-for-11 twice from beyond the arc in games against Indiana. Julius is taking step-back shots that would make Russell Westbrook blush. The Wolves need clear opportunities—and, more importantly, they need someone to convert. Naz. DiVincenzo. NAW. One of you, please heat up. Preferably more than one of you.
Lastly, Ant and Julius must outperform Booker and KD.
Ultimately, it boils down to star power. If Ant and Julius fail to show up, it’s game over. If they do—if Ant plays intelligently, attacks the rim, draws fouls, kicks out to shooters, and avoids those “I got this” heat checks that drain the offense’s momentum—Minnesota can compete with anyone. Julius must remain efficient, physical, and selfless. When he plays within himself, he’s a force to be reckoned with. When he doesn’t… let’s just say the ball often ends up in Row 7 more than desirable.
The Wolves have had three days to regroup. The Suns are vulnerable but still a threat. This game is crucial. A victory tonight, followed by one against Detroit, could reinsert you into the mix. Memphis and the Lakers are faltering. The Clippers and Warriors have weaknesses. The opportunity is still there. But you must take a seat, grab your fork, and stop dropping food in your lap.
Seven victories against Phoenix in a row. You’ve dominated this team. Now go out there and do it again. And make it count this time.