19,478 fans packed into the Target Center on Saturday, and for a good reason. For the first time since 2004, Minnesota had home-court advantage for game one of the playoffs. 

The Timberwolves, who were in position for the number one seed for much of the regular season, slipped to the third seed on the final day of play. This placed Minnesota into a seven-game series with the six-seeded Phoenix Suns, a matchup that had been unkind to the Timberwolves throughout the season. Phoenix swept Minnesota with a combined score of 355-308 in their three regular season contests. Minnesota would have to contain the Suns big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. 

It was a back-and-forth affair in the first quarter, with Phoenix controlling a 28-27 lead entering the second frame. Minnesota turned it on, winning each of the next 3 quarters by eleven, ten, and five respectively. It was a comprehensive 120-95 win. 

Anthony Edwards was the star for Minnesota, scoring 33 points with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Karl Anthony-Towns added 19 points, and the usually defense-focused Rudy Gobert put up 14 points, including going 6/7 from the free-throw line. It was a 3rd quarter run, scoring 21 while holding Phoenix to 5 points over the last 7 minutes of the quarter, that propelled the Timberwolves to the win. Durant scored 31 points, and Booker had 18 points for Phoenix. The rest of the team combined for only 46 points.

Sartell senior Jordan Fish, who was in attendance described the environment as “an electric atmosphere.” He said, “It was thrilling to be there.”

Minnesota was the underdog entering the series but has now seized the advantage. Game two is Tuesday night before they visit Phoenix for games three and four.