Phoenix Suns fade late again as Minnesota Timberwolves close strong in 116-104 win

Minnesota separates after halftime as Phoenix’s offense stalls

The Phoenix Suns dropped a 116-104 road decision to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Target Center, letting a competitive game slip away as Minnesota controlled the final stages.

Phoenix opened with its best scoring quarter, putting up 39 points in the first period. From there, the Suns’ output declined each quarter (24 in the second, 23 in the third, 18 in the fourth), while Minnesota maintained steadier production and finished with a 24-point fourth quarter to close.

Efficiency gap and turnovers shaped the outcome

The Timberwolves won the shooting-efficiency battle, finishing 43-of-84 from the field (51.2%). Phoenix shot 37-of-97 (38.1%), a volume that did not translate into points as possessions ended in missed shots and empty trips.

Minnesota also generated more opportunities by forcing 16 turnovers and converting with a faster, more secure offensive rhythm. Phoenix committed 11 turnovers and was unable to offset Minnesota’s efficiency with extra possessions, despite collecting 17 offensive rebounds and finishing narrowly behind on total rebounds (57-59).

• Field goal percentage: Minnesota 51.2%, Phoenix 38.1%
• Turnovers: Minnesota forced 16, Phoenix forced 11
• Rebounds: Minnesota 59, Phoenix 57 (Phoenix 17 offensive rebounds)
• Free throws: Minnesota 21-of-29, Phoenix 17-of-23

Booker carries scoring load; supporting cast struggles from the floor

Devin Booker led Phoenix with 34 points on 11-of-27 shooting, drawing fouls consistently and going 11-of-14 at the line. He added six rebounds and three assists, with two turnovers in nearly 35 minutes.

Outside of Booker, Phoenix had difficulty finding efficient scoring. Starting forward Jalen Green went 3-of-17 from the field, and the Suns received 16 points from center Oso Ighodaro, who also pulled down 10 rebounds and had four turnovers. Collin Gillespie posted 12 points and seven assists, but shot 4-of-13 and finished with a team-worst plus-minus.

Phoenix’s scoring trend over four quarters: 39 → 24 → 23 → 18, reflecting a steady offensive slowdown as the game progressed.

What the result means

The loss underscored a recurring problem for Phoenix in games where early offense does not hold: once the pace slows and half-court execution becomes decisive, shooting efficiency and ball security become difficult hurdles to clear. For Minnesota, the win was built on controlled offense, timely stops, and a closing stretch that widened the margin beyond a one-possession finish.

Phoenix fell to 39-30 on the season, while Minnesota improved to 42-27.