Suns 108 - 98 Timberwolves
Final
  for this game

Reserves spark Suns over lowly Timberwolves

Apr 7, 2011 - 3:55 AM Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Marcin Gortat had 20 points and 16 rebounds, but most of the Phoenix Suns' scoring came from the bench in a 108-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Suns got 58 points from their reserves, including 19 from Aaron Brooks and 17 from Hakim Warrick, and moved to 1-2 on a five-game road trip with only their second win in eight games.

The Timberwolves, missing double-double machine Kevin Love again, suffered their 12th straight loss despite a game-high 24 points from Michael Beasley.

On a night when playoffs hopes were rewarded and dashed for several NBA teams, this was a game between two franchises who had already been long eliminated from contention.

The Suns are two games under .500 with four remaining, a long fall from the Western Conference finals last season.

"We have five guys left from last year. It's a totally different team and we haven't been able to find the chemistry or even the ability," said Suns guard Steve Nash, who had six points and nine assists in 22 minutes.

Phoenix used an extended 25-10 run in the second quarter to build a 15-point lead on Vince Carter's dunk. But Minnesota ended the half on a 16-4 run, pulling within 56-53 at the break.

Beasley and Luke Ridnour opened the third quarter with back-to-back jumpers, completing an overall surge of 20-4 and giving the Timberwolves a 57-56 lead.

The teams see-sawed, but Phoenix carried an 82-77 lead into the fourth and went ahead by as many as 12 down the stretch.

"I thought we did a good job of hanging in there," said Suns head coach Alvin Gentry.

"We were making a punch, then they made a punch and we didn't really bounce back," said Timberwolves guard Wesley Johnson, who scored 10.

Game Notes

Minnesota (17-62) fell 1/2 game behind Cleveland (17-61) for the worst record in the NBA...Anthony Randolph scored 19 points off the bench for the Timberwolves...The teams meet again in Phoenix on Monday...Love has a strained groin.






Related News