Timberwolves bottom out as D’Angelo Russell doesn’t check in
The struggles may have reached a low point in the second quarter when Minnesota had just four players on the court during a Suns’ possession that ended in a 3 for Phoenix.
Taurean Prince checked out before a free throw by Jaylen Nowell with D’Angelo Russell set to check-in. Prince left the court, and Russell didn’t come on the court until the possession was nearly over.
“It’s just the sign of a team that’s lacking a little bit of confidence and purpose right now,” coach Chris Finch told reporters of the continued mental mistakes by the Wolves.
Rudy Gobert returned to the lineup for Minnesota after missing two games while in the league’s health and safety protocols. But Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns were limited due to early foul trouble. Gobert had 13 of his 25 points in the third quarter. Towns finished with 11.
Minnesota committed 19 turnovers, leading to 32 points for Phoenix.
“The turnovers are killing us, for sure,” Finch said. “They’re cashing in every turnover and they’re kind of deflating at the same time. And first quarter urgency’s just not there.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.