The Phoenix Suns returned to winning ways and received the ultimate seal of approval from Devin Booker on Saturday night as they emerged victorious over the New York Knicks.
A win that keeps them in the thick of play-off conversations after proving well over halfway through this season that this season is no fluke.
Suns have a chance to beat Timberwolves in the postseason
With the Suns still two games down in the loss column behind the Houston Rockets, who are in fifth place in the Western Conference, they continue to put pressure on those above them.
The Minnesota Timberwolves appear locked into those four seeds, while the Denver Nuggets continue to win in Nikola Jokic’s absence, which could set the tone for an unexpected playoff duo.
The Minnesota Timberwolves become only the third team in NBA history to score more than 100 points in 100 consecutive games 💯 pic.twitter.com/89qO9Tu1Cc
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) January 17, 2026
The Timberwolves and Suns meet again in the opening round.
We all know how that ended last time, when superstar Anthony Edwards humiliated his idol in Kevin Durant en route to a series sweep. He even broke up the D-Generation X “suck it” party, that’s how bad it was for Phoenix.
A lot would have to happen for this matchup to happen in the playoffs, but it seems much more likely than it did at the start of the season, when few thought the Suns could win 30 games.
Right now, only the Rocket and Los Angeles Lakers sit between those series that actually take place in the four-five slot, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that these two teams have had their ups and downs.
The Rockets look like fringe contenders on many nights, and they may even need another former Sun to steady the ship for the long duration of the regular season.
But Durant has already shown frustration at times with that bunch, and they still need a top scorer for certain matchups. They are far from unbeatable on any given night.
As for the Lakers, we know Luka Doncic isn’t known for elite defense, while former Suns first overall pick Deandre Ayton isn’t involved in every possession either.
They may be 24-16, but right now the Suns look much closer and continue to beat opponents who are supposedly better than them.
We know Phoenix wouldn’t be favored in a series, the Timberwolves have really come together after a shaky start, but it would be so fun to see them try.
It certainly wouldn’t be a sweep either, as this group has too much effort and determination, plus excellent coaching, to be down in a seven-game series. Game on.
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