© Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – The first half of the NBA Emirates Cup started strong for the Phoenix Suns, as they took it to the Timberwolves and are leading going into the second half on Friday night in Downtown Phoenix.
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Nov 13, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head Coach Jordan Ott celebrates with Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the second half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
The Suns were hitting their threes early as Ryan Dunn and Royce O’Neale got it started, and the ball was spread around often and early. Dillon Brooks was as chippy as ever and brought his signature intensity early. The Suns started missing easy shots, and it came back to haunt them as their momentum shifted halfway through the first quarter. The Suns fought hard, though, as their depth pieces played with urgency and tightened up defense. The Suns led by a score of 32-24 after the end of the first. Gillespie was tied for the highest scorer alongside Julius Randle with 8 points each at the end of the first.
Nov 18, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
The real story of the first half was how Collin Gillespie took over with 16 points and 3 assists in the first half. In the second quarter, although they hit some hiccups towards the end, as their defensive intensity slowed down, though the Suns were able to keep their foot on the gas pedal for the most part and end the first half being up by a score of 62 to 49 over the Timberwolves.
Nov 18, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott smiles from the sideline during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Suns fans can expect Phoenix to focus on finishing in the paint in the second half, along with making sure that the ball keeps being spread around. If they can capitalize on finding open space and keep on being able to contain Anthony Edwards, the Suns will be able to keep the momentum going over the Timberwolves the rest of the way.
Phoenix Suns gear up for Emirates NBA Cup shorthanded but determined
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
