For as long as I can remember, it has always been a dream of mine to catch a Phoenix Suns basketball game. After seeing Steve Nash as a little kid on ESPN, I have always rooted for this team in the Valley
from my faraway home in Massachusetts. With living basically across the country, it was virtually impossible to see them unless it was at the TD Garden. Unfortunately for me, this matchup only happens once a year, and I can never be free to attend them.
That all changed on Monday night, as I traveled to Minnesota with my brother to see them take on the Timberwolves.
Now you may be asking, I thought you said you are from Massachusetts, why go to Minnesota to see them play? Well, my brother growing up has always been a huge Timberwolves fan, and it felt right to see both of our teams, as we have been talking about doing this for years.
So this past weekend, we hopped on a flight over to the Midwest to catch the great duel of Anthony Edwards versus Collin Gillespie, and man, it did not disappoint.
First off, the Target Center is a nice arena to be at. I had only been to two other NBA arenas (TD Garden and Madison Square Garden) before this one, and it reminds me more of the one in Boston. The concourse was nice, and the fans were even nicer, even though I was wearing the opposing team’s jersey. As someone who grew up in the northeast, this was something that was definitely different from home. Back at TD, you will hear the chirps the minute you step into the building if you are supporting the visiting team.
Once we were seated, it was time to watch the Suns’ warm-up.
After the Suns had warmed up, we then saw them do the starting lineups for both teams. Dillon Brooks was gifted with some boos by the Wolves fans, which was expected. Brooks has some bad blood with the Wolves dating back to his Memphis days, and they definitely let him hear it all game.
Even though I was there to support the Suns, I won’t lie, the Timberwolves’ intro video did get me hyped and locked into this game.
Some great moments I got from the game are posted here. One is Dillon Brooks shooting some free throws late. He was a big X-factor for the Suns in this game, as he was a game-time decision before the contest. Brooks once again thrived from the midrange, hitting tough turnaround jumpers again and again to keep the Suns alive.
Can we admit that Mark Williams not playing the preseason was a good thing? Ensuring the big man was as healthy as possible before the season was the best decision this coaching staff made for his longevity and the Suns’ future. Williams was an absolute beast down low against a Minnesota team that has some great frontcourt players on its roster. He used his body to generate strong second-chance opportunities for this team on the glass, which was key to his success in this game.
Oh, and do not let me forget, he hit his FIRST career three, that was impressive as well!
Another outstanding performance came from Collin Gillespie. He had a huge fourth quarter to keep this team afloat in this one. The following two videos play back-to-back as the Wolves try to take this one to overtime. The Suns are up one with just under nine seconds left. In this play, Gillespie sets a screen on his man Donte DiVincenzo to try to free either him or Grayson Allen. He then out-hustles DiVincenzo to get the ball. Donte sees this, tries to get back, and slips, allowing Gillespie to have the room to dribble out the clock.
Once again, he then drills both free throws (one shown in the video here) late to solidify the Suns’ win and silence the Timberwolves crowd.
In both games against the Wolves this year, he has scored the final points, which is quite remarkable. Gillespie has made a name for himself now this season, not only in Phoenix but across the league. Here is what Anthony Edwards had to say about him following the contest.
This is so cool to see for someone who has worked so hard to be in this spot and become this bright spot on such a fun Suns’ team. Every fan wanted him signed this last year to a long-term extension, and this summer it will be the requirement the fans demand.
As we all saw, it was a tough battle between both teams, and the shorthanded Suns were able to pull out the victory on the road.
After an outstanding performance from many Suns players, it was time to head home and hear the silence from everyone around me as I walked out, one of the only people happy. My brother, who had just seen an Anthony Edwards 40-piece dinner, was upset but not as devastated as the fans who were leaving the building.
Overall, it was a fantastic first time for both of us to see our Western Conference favorites, and I would not trade it for the world. The ability to write and do this from home is already a step in the direction I want my career to take, and I hope my next opportunity to watch this team is one I am lucky enough to be working on and giving you guys updates for this site!
