The Suns were not supposed to win last night in Minnesota. We knew they would compete because that fight is baked into their DNA, but there was no clean logic path that said they should walk out with a win.
Devin Booker still out. Add Jalen Green to the list. The Timberwolves were healthy, loud, and at home. National audience watching on Peacock. And somehow, the Suns spent only 1:21 trailing the entire game. It got tight at the end. White knuckle tight as the Wolves crept within one. But the Suns steadied themselves and closed it out, 108-105.
I know this is the Bright Side Baller. I know the routine. Quick game breakdown up top, then you get your say at the bottom. But this win belongs to Jordan Ott. For how prepared this team looked. For how hard they competed. For winning two first-half challenges, which is wild on its own because every successful challenge quietly confirms what we already know about the officials.
Still, from a pure chessboard standpoint, Ott had the right pieces in the right spots. This team squeezed every ounce out of what was on the floor. They went into a building ahead of them in the standings. They faced a full-strength opponent. They left with a win.
This win matters, especially with Oklahoma City looming next. The fight will be there again, of that I have no doubt. The talent gap may tell a different story. If the Suns are Mario, the Thunder are Mario after the mushroom. Same motor. Same chaos. One side has leveled up.
Once again, I walk away from a game stunned by the coaching job Ott has done so far this season. These are players who want to be coached. It has not always been the case with this franchise in recent years. The staff is putting guys in positions to succeed. And they are succeeding. That is the quiet story that keeps getting louder every night.
Bright Side Baller Season Standings
Some things you never see coming when a season tips off. One of them is the Bright Side Baller award, landing in the hands of Jamaree Bouyea. A guy who was not on the roster, signed as a two-way flier, now logging real minutes because injuries have ripped through the Suns. And you know what? He looks good.
He plays like a little baller out there, hits the three, moves with real burst, and changes gears in a blink. He even flashes a little Cameron Payne energy, different haircut, same spark. So tip the cap to Bouyea, his first Bright Side Baller of the year is well earned.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
Game 24 against the Timberwolves. Here are your nominees:
Mark Williams
22 points (7-of-9, 1-of-1 3PT), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 0 turnovers, -8 +/-
Collin Gillespie
19 points (6-of-15, 3-of-7 3PT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, +9 +/-
Dillon Brooks
18 points (7-of-20, 2-of-8 3PT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, -9 +/-
Grayson Allen
12 points (5-of-16, 1-of-8 3PT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, -6 +/-
Royce O’Neale
11 points (4-of-6, 3-of-5 3PT), 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, +1 +/-
Oso Ighodaro
10 points (5-of-6), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +9 +/-
The polls are open!
