The Phoenix Suns roll into Target Center on Monday, December 8, 2025, riding a five-game winning streak, ready to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a high-stakes rematch of last year’s fiery Western Conference first-round playoff series. The game, tipped off at 5:00 PM UTC, isn’t just another regular-season matchup—it’s a chance for the Timberwolves to erase the sting of a heartbreaking 114-113 loss in Phoenix just weeks ago, and for the Suns to prove their hot start isn’t a fluke.
A Rivalry Rekindled
When the Suns and Timberwolves clashed on November 21, 2025, at Footprint Center, it felt like playoff basketball in November. The game came down to the final possession. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ 23-year-old dynamo, dropped 41 points on 14-of-24 shooting, adding four steals and a block—but it wasn’t enough. Devin Booker, Phoenix’s veteran scoring engine, didn’t even need to go off for 30 to win it. He managed 24, but it was Collin Gillespie who played the role of unsung hero: 20 points, seven rebounds, and a critical steal late to seal the win. The crowd in Phoenix erupted. In Minnesota, silence fell. Now, the Timberwolves get their shot at redemption on their home floor.
Contrasting Momentum
The Suns enter this game with a W5 streak, their most dominant stretch of the season. They’ve outscored opponents by an average of 18.6 points during the run, including a 35-point demolition of the Indiana Pacers on November 13. Their offense is humming: Booker leads the team at 28.5 points per game, shooting 50% from the field and nearly 89% from the line. Mikal Bridges anchors the defense with 9.4 rebounds per game, while Rudy Gobert is the Timberwolves’ answer—9.5 rebounds and elite rim protection.
Minnesota, meanwhile, enters with a L1. Their only loss this month? To Phoenix. And it’s been a frustrating one. Edwards, despite his 27.3 PPG average, has been carrying the team on his back. Julius Randle has been inconsistent, averaging 27.2 points but struggling with efficiency. The Timberwolves rank seventh in the West—tied with Phoenix in record—but they’ve lost three of their last five games by single digits. This isn’t just about pride. It’s about playoff positioning.
Western Conference Chess Match
The West is a meat grinder. The Denver Nuggets sit at 10-2, looking like the team to beat. The Los Angeles Lakers are close behind at 10-4. But right behind them? Phoenix and Minnesota, both 8-5. Two teams with identical records, two teams with star power, and now, a shared history of close, emotional battles. The winner of this game doesn’t just gain a win—they gain psychological leverage in a race where half a game separates 3rd from 8th place.
What’s fascinating is how these teams mirror each other. Both rely on explosive guards. Both have elite big men. Both have question marks in depth. The Suns’ bench has been more reliable lately, but Minnesota’s home crowd at Target Center is among the loudest in the league. Expect the noise to rattle Phoenix’s younger players if the game stays tight.
What’s Next?
This is the second of three meetings this season. The third—scheduled for Sunday, March 17, 2025—could be even more consequential. If both teams hold their current records, that final matchup might decide playoff seeding. The NBA schedule makers clearly anticipated this rivalry. They didn’t just set up a rematch—they built a trilogy.
For Minnesota, this is a chance to prove they’re no longer just a one-man show. For Phoenix, it’s about showing they can win on the road against elite competition. No one expects a blowout. The last meeting came down to the final possession. This one likely will too.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
- Devin Booker vs. Anthony Edwards: The two scoring engines. Booker’s efficiency vs. Edwards’ aggression.
- Rudy Gobert vs. Mikal Bridges: One’s a defensive anchor; the other’s a perimeter stopper. Who controls the paint?
- Collin Gillespie vs. Minnesota’s backcourt: Can the Suns’ point guard continue his clutch play? He’s averaging 7.2 assists over the last five games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this game considered a playoff rematch?
The Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves met in the 2024 Western Conference First Round, where Phoenix won the series 4-2 in a tightly contested matchup. The November 21, 2025, game carried playoff intensity, with both teams playing physical defense and high-stakes execution. This December 8 game is seen as a continuation of that rivalry, with both clubs still in playoff contention and the same key players involved.
How does Anthony Edwards’ performance compare to Devin Booker’s this season?
Edwards averages 27.3 points per game on 47.6% shooting, while Booker averages 28.5 points on 50.0% shooting and 89.0% from the line. Booker is more efficient, especially in clutch situations, while Edwards is more explosive and takes more high-difficulty shots. Both are top-10 scorers in the NBA, but Booker’s consistency gives Phoenix an edge in close games.
What’s the significance of Target Center for this game?
Target Center has been one of the NBA’s toughest road venues this season, with the Timberwolves going 3-3 at home. The crowd noise, especially in close games, has disrupted opposing teams’ offensive sets. Phoenix hasn’t won in Minneapolis since 2022, making this a psychological hurdle as much as a basketball challenge.
Could this game affect playoff seeding?
Absolutely. Both teams are tied at 8-5 in the Western Conference. The winner gains a crucial head-to-head tiebreaker, which could matter if they finish with identical records. With only 1.5 games separating 3rd and 8th place, every win matters. A loss here could push Minnesota down to the 8-seed, while a Suns win could push them into the top 4.
What’s the history between these two teams?
The Suns and Timberwolves have played 74 times since 1989, with Phoenix holding a 41-33 advantage. Their most memorable series was in 2024, when Phoenix eliminated Minnesota in six games. Since then, the rivalry has intensified, fueled by Edwards’ rise and Booker’s leadership. Their next meeting on March 17, 2025, could be the most consequential yet.
Who’s the X-factor in this matchup?
Rudy Gobert. While Edwards and Booker get the headlines, Gobert’s ability to protect the rim and control the boards will dictate the pace. If he limits Phoenix’s drives and forces them into jump shots, Minnesota has a real shot. If Booker and Bridges exploit his slower foot speed, the Suns will pull away. His performance could be the difference between a win and a loss.