Last Updated on July 24, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a timeline of significant moments in the head-to-head history between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns:

1990s: Early Encounters

  • 1990s:
    • Regular Season: The Timberwolves and Suns faced off several times with the Suns, led by Charles Barkley and Kevin Johnson, being a dominant team in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves, with players like Christian Laettner and Tom Gugliotta, were still establishing themselves.

2000s: Competitive Matchups

  • 2000-2001 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Suns, with a lineup including Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion, faced the Timberwolves, who had Kevin Garnett leading their team. The games were competitive and reflected the strong play from both teams.
  • 2001-2002 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Timberwolves, led by Garnett, continued their competitive play against the Suns, who were building a strong roster with players like Marion and Marbury.

2010s: Key Encounters

  • 2010-2011 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Suns, with Steve Nash leading the team, faced the Timberwolves, who were in a rebuilding phase with young players like Kevin Love. The games were notable for the Suns’ strong play and the Timberwolves’ development.
  • 2011-2012 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Timberwolves and Suns had competitive games with both teams featuring key players. The Timberwolves, with Love and Ricky Rubio, played against the Suns, who had a mix of veteran and young talent.

2020s: Recent Matchups

  • 2019-2020 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Timberwolves, led by Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell, faced the Suns, who were led by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. The games were competitive and highlighted the emerging talent of both teams.
  • 2020-2021 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Timberwolves and Suns continued their matchups with both teams featuring key players. The Suns, with Chris Paul joining the team, and the Timberwolves, focusing on their young roster, had notable games.
  • 2021-2022 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Timberwolves and Suns faced off with the Suns, led by Paul, Booker, and Ayton, being strong contenders in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves, with Towns and Anthony Edwards, were also competitive.
  • 2022-2023 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Timberwolves and Suns continued their rivalry. The Suns, with Booker and new additions like Kevin Durant, were high contenders, while the Timberwolves were showcasing their improved roster.
      Notes:

      • Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn nets during the 2022 offseason and was sent to the Suns during the season.
      • The Timberwolves finished the 2022-23 season with back-to-back winning records for the first time since 2004-05. The Timberwolves lost to the Lakers (102–108) and beat the Thunder (120–95) in the play-in tournament to advance to the playoffs. The Timberwolves would lose in the first round to the Denver Nuggets in five games who went on to win the NBA championship.
  • 2023-2024 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Timberwolves and Suns faced off with the Suns continuing their strong play in the Western Conference and the Timberwolves looking to build on their recent performances. The games were marked by high-level play and playoff implications.

The rivalry between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns has featured several notable moments, particularly with key players like Kevin Garnett, Steve Nash, Devin Booker, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Their matchups have reflected the evolving nature of both teams and their competitiveness in the Western Conference.