Anthony Edwards (1) of the Minnesota Timberwolves throws a shot in front of the mark of Torrey Craig (0) of the Phoenix Suns in the second half of an NBA game in Minneapolis, Friday, January 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards had 31 points, D’Angelo Russell scored seven and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the undermanned Phoenix Suns 121-116 on Friday night.
Taurean Prince, coming on as a substitute, had 16 points and reserve Naz Red had 13 for Minnesota.
The Timberwolves earned their fourth win in five games and bounced back from Detroit’s 135-118 road loss on Wednesday.
Damion Lee was the best offensive player for Phoenix with 31 points followed by Mikal Bridges with 24.
The Suns were again without their Astros Chris Paul and Devin Booker, in addition to Cameron Johnson and defensive replacements Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet.
Deandre Ayton, who returned to action after missing two games with a sprained left ankle, finished with 11 points and 11 boards, but the big man struggled against Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert.
Ayton made just 5 of 18 shots from the field.