The Minnesota Timberwolves are advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time in two decades having taken down the Suns 122-116 in Game 4 behind Anthony Edwards’ 40.
The 22-year-old joins Sam Cassell as the only other player in Timberwolves history with multiple 40-point playoff games.
He scored 40 points on 13-of-23 shooting and 7-of-13 from three to go along with nine rebounds, six assists, and a pair of blocks.
He was flanked by Karl-Anthony Towns (28 pts, 10 reb, 11/17 FG) and Jaden McDaniels (18 pts, 6/12 FG).
Mike Conley (10 pts, 7 ast, 2/10 FG, +16) endured a tough shooting night but led the team in helpers and finished with a game-high in the plus-minus column whilst Rudy Gobert (9 pts, 3/9 FG, 4 tov, 4 fouls) suffered through a subpar night.
It was a tight and back-and-forth affair throughout the night with no team leading by more than a half-dozen at any stage.
The Wolves – who hit on 15 of their 36 three-point attempts – crafted a 27-17 run to close the game.
Phoenix’s lack of depth proved their Achilles’ heel with Devin Booker (49 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast) and Kevin Durant (33 pts, 9 reb, 4 blk) stuffing the statsheet.
No other Sun scored in double figures with Bradley Beal (9 pts, 4/13 FG), Eric Gordon (6 pts, 2/7 FG), and Royce O’Neale (6 pts, 2/7 FG) unable to provide the required offensive punch.
With all but non-existent draft capital and a hefty payroll, the offseason will be full of pressure for the Suns who have a number of major decisions to make moving forward.
The Timberwolves meanwhile advance to the second round where they will likely face the defending champion Nuggets who are a win away from closing out the Lakers.
