The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the semifinals of the Western Conference after defeating the Phoenix Suns 122:116 on the road and closing the series between the two teams 4-0.
Phoenix stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combined for 82 points, but even that wasn't enough for the team to record a series win. Thus, the Suns end an extremely disappointing season that began with championship ambitions on the back of the Durant/Booker/Bradley Beal trio. Minnesota again proved to be a more balanced team, and team leader Anthony Edwards scored 40 points and added 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds, and the Timberwolves grabbed 11 more rebounds than the opponent.
Thus, Minnesota recorded its first success in a playoff series in 20 years and will wait for the Denver Nuggets or the LA Lakers in the semifinals. Denver has a 3-1 lead in the series with the Lakers.
In the Western derby, the LA Clippers tied the series with the Dallas Mavericks at 2-2 after a 116:111 victory in Texas. The hosts managed to rally from a 31-point deficit and take the lead midway through the final quarter, but James Harden and Paul George carried their team to success in the absence of Kawhi Leonard.
Thus, the series moves to Los Angeles, and the home advantage is again on the side of the Clippers.
The rest of the results:
Philadelphia 76ers - New York Knicks 92:97 (1-3)
Indiana Pacers - Milwaukee Bucks 126:113 (3-1). /BGNES
