Timberwolves Defeat Suns to Complete Sweep; Coach Chris Finch Exits Due to Knee Injury

 PHOENIX (AP) — Minnesota's Anthony Edwards quickly noticed a shift in the Phoenix Suns' defensive strategy early in the third quarter. Instead of employing double teams as they did in the first half, they opted to play him one-on-one most of the time.

Seeing this adjustment as a challenge, the emerging star seized the opportunity.

"It was like — you've got to beat us," Edwards remarked. "And I showed them."

Edwards erupted for 31 of his 40 points in the second half, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 28, propelling the Timberwolves to a late-game surge and a 122-116 victory over the Suns on Sunday night, completing a sweep of the first-round playoff series.

The franchise's first playoff series win in 20 years came amidst adversity as coach Chris Finch exited the game late in the fourth quarter following an accidental collision with Wolves guard Mike Conley. The team later confirmed he had suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee.

Edwards showcased his offensive prowess, shooting 13 of 23 from the field, including 7 of 13 from beyond the arc. His emphatic one-handed dunk with 2:14 remaining gave Minnesota a decisive 115-111 lead.

"We've watched him grow, evolve as a leader, as a player, as a man," remarked Wolves center Rudy Gobert. "It's been fun."

Phoenix struggled to mount a comeback from that point onward, ultimately unable to regain control of the game.