Chris Paul scored 19 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to guide the Phoenix Suns’ ninth straight victory by a tight 99-96 over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Devin Booker had 29 points and two key free throws in the final stretch of the game, and DeAndre Ayton returned to the park after five days absent with 22 points and 12 rebounds.
“It was an ugly match, but it is not so ugly if you win,” said Devin Booker. «It was a tough and fighting game. And we came from a back to back. They played well, but in the end we were able to figure it out. So we feel a lot better, ”he added.
Those of Arizona go like a shot and continue climbing positions in the West, being second with a 10-3 record, behind the Golden State Warriors (11-2).
In the T-Wolves, Karl Anthony-Towns was the most prominent with 35 points and 13 rebounds, but not enough to avoid the eighth loss in his last nine meetings. For his part, his teammate D’Angelo Russell added 22 points, and reserve Malik Beasley finished with 12 points and four triples.
“The last quarter was a real fight,” Towns said. “Both teams were trying to find a way to win. They were both making shots, and quite difficult. It has not been easy. There is so much to be proud of tonight. Obviously it has been disappointing because we have not achieved the victory, but I will be the first to say that I am very happy with the energy, tenacity and effort with which we have played, “he said.
Ayton’s return
Ayton returned to the pitch, and he did so being a very important part of the victory. The young insider hit 10 of 14 on shooting from the field, and of his 12 rebounds, seven of them were on offense. His coach Monty Williams acknowledged in the subsequent press conference that he was quite satisfied with his performance.
“I was telling everyone that I would bring the same energy to the court as all my teammates. So for my part I made sure to try everything, ”Ayton explained.
Without still solving his future with the Arizona franchise in six official games, he is reaping figures of 14.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per day.
(Cover photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
