“Don’t Count Us Out”: Devin Booker & Kevin Durant Issue Stern Warning Before Game 3 Battle vs Timberwolves

The series between the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves has been fascinating to watch. Going into Game 3 of the series, the T-Wolves hold a 2-0 series lead, courtesy of impressive performances from Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Karl Anthony-Towns. However, the same can’t be said about Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The two perennial All-Star have struggled to adapt to the T-Wolves suffocating full-court defense.

However, with Game 3 less than 12 hours away, both Kevin Durant and Devin Booker have issued a stern warning to the Timberwolves as well as the fans who have counted them out. In a recent press conference, D-Book encouraged the Phoenix Suns fans by saying, “Don’t count us out.” Teammate Kevin Durant also echoed the same sentiments. He said, “Can’t give up on us now… We need you more than ever now.”

Fans of the Phoenix Suns would hope for better showings because the Suns lost the first two games of the series in a comprehensive manner. Despite possessing the likes of Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Minnesota Timberwolves restricted them to under 100 points in both games. However, this shouldn’t come as a shock to most T-Wolves fans because Minnesota have been the best defensive side in the NBA this season.

During the 2023-24 regular season, the T-Wolves recorded a defensive rating of 109, which is the best mark in the NBA. Moreover, the T-Wolves defensive intensity has provided a perfect launchpad for their stars to dominate on the offense. Despite this, the series is far from over. The Phoenix Suns possess three of the most talented offensive players in the league, who have the tools to unlock any defense. However, they have found the Timberwolves a tough nut to crack.

Could home advantage turn Phoenix Suns’ fortunes around?

The Minnesota Timberwolves have done extremely well, taking a 2-0 series lead. However, the Phoenix Suns now welcome them to the FootPrint Arena for the next two games. It would be a completely different game, as the Suns’ players would be buoyed by home support. Nevertheless, the Timberwolves will stick to the same game plan that has served them so well in the first two games of the series.

One of the primary reasons behind the Phoenix Suns failing two games behind in the series are turnovers. The Suns have committed 35 turnovers in the first two games of the series. Furthermore, both Booker and Durant had a -24 plus/minus in their minutes during Game 2. KD and Book really need to get back into their groove because even with all the support from the home crowd, it won’t be enough if Phoenix’s two best players aren’t performing well.

The third installment of this fascinating first-round matchup will be played later tonight. But with the series now at 2-0, all the pressure is on the Phoenix Suns and their “big three’ to wrestle back some control of the series. Will seasoned stars like KD and Booker rise to the occasion, or would the young and hungry T-Wolves seize control of the series?