The Phoenix Suns are staring down a significant challenge in their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves after falling to a disheartening 0-2 deficit. The series took a particularly troubling turn during Game 2 on Tuesday when Suns guard Grayson Allen re-injured his right ankle early in the third quarter, compounding the team’s struggles.
Allen, who has been a critical 3-point threat for the Suns, leading the league with a 46% success rate from beyond the arc this season (among players with at least 130 attempts), had to be helped off the court and did not return to the game. His absence was palpable as the Suns tried to cope without one of their key players, whose shooting prowess has been essential in spacing the floor.
Through the first two games, Allen had been quiet, contributing just one 3-point basket and a total of seven points. His potential unavailability for Game 3 could further limit Phoenix’s offensive options, especially as they face a Minnesota team that has effectively stifled the Suns’ dynamic duo, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The Timberwolves’ defensive scheme has aggressively targeted the Suns’ perimeter shooting, and without Allen, Phoenix’s offense became even more constricted.
Minnesota’s defense, led by Rudy Gobert’s rim protection, has been formidable. Gobert’s presence in the paint has deterred the Suns from attacking the basket, forcing them into uncomfortable and inefficient scoring attempts. This defensive intensity has contributed significantly to Phoenix’s offensive stagnation, as they struggle to find rhythm and movement, making it easier for Minnesota to predict and counter their plays.
The historical statistics are not in Phoenix’s favor either. More than 92% of teams that have fallen into an 0-2 hole in a seven-game series have gone on to lose, indicating the steep path the Suns must climb to advance. The loss of Allen exacerbates this challenge, stripping Phoenix of a crucial late-game option when defenses tighten around their star players.
Looking ahead to Game 3, the Suns are under immense pressure to recalibrate and find solutions. Without Allen, other players, such as Royce O’Neale, will need to step up, though they may not replicate Allen’s shooting threat. The Suns need to increase their offensive movement and find creative ways to overcome Minnesota’s defensive strategies. This adjustment will be critical in avoiding a potentially insurmountable 0-3 deficit.
As the series returns to Phoenix for the next games, the Suns have a lot to prove and little room for error. The next game will be crucial in determining whether they can turn the tide against the formidable challenge posed by the Timberwolves.
