MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The NBA-leading Phoenix Suns, still playing short-handed, passed another stiff test.
Even before Chris Paul comes back, they appear more than ready for another deep postseason run.
Deandre Ayton scored a career-high 35 points and had 14 rebounds, Devin Booker had 22 of his 28 points in the second half and the Suns surged past the trash-talking Minnesota Timberwolves 125-116 on Wednesday night.
Landry Shamet scored 10 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to help fuel the rally from a 15-point deficit.
Phoenix needs one win — or a Memphis loss — to wrap up home-court advantage for the entire playoffs. The Suns have a nine-game lead with nine games left. They have won six straight, 18 of 22 and are 59-14 overall.
“That’s a playoff environment,” said Ayton, who clutched the game ball for his career game at a podium afterward for his interview session.
Phoenix completed its first sweep of three or more games against Minnesota in 11 seasons.
Anthony Edwards…