Phoenix Suns Pull Off Stunning 9-0 Run to Upset Timberwolves 114-113 in Emirates NBA Cup Showdown

In a game that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2025-26 NBA season, the Phoenix Suns pulled off a stunning 114-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Mortgage Matchup Center. The win came courtesy of an improbable 9-0 run in the final 69 seconds that defied all statistical expectations and sent Phoenix fans into a frenzy. The Final Minute That Shocked the NBA With just over a minute remaining, the Timberwolves appeared to have the game firmly in hand. Minnesota held a comfortable 113-105 lead, and ESPN Analytics' win probability model gave them a 98.9% chance of victory. What happened next will be studied in film rooms and replayed on highlight reels for years to come. The Suns launched their desperate comeback, chipping away at the deficit possession by possession. Jordan Goodwin's driving layup with 21.4 seconds remaining brought Phoenix within one point at 113-112, setting the stage for high drama. Minnesota's Anthony Edwards—who had been absolutely spectacular all night with 41 points—stepped to the free throw line with a chance to seal the victory. He missed both attempts. Phoenix pushed the ball up court with precious seconds ticking away. Collin Gillespie, the unheralded backup point guard who has become one of the season's feel-good stories, took the ball into his hands. With defenders collapsing around him, Gillespie drove into the lane and released a contested 10-foot jumper that found the bottom of the net with just 6.4 seconds showing on the clock. The bucket gave Gillespie 20 points on the night and Phoenix a 114-113 lead. Minnesota scrambled for a final shot as the clock wound down. Julius Randle, who had contributed significantly throughout the contest, launched a three-pointer at the buzzer, but his attempt clanged off the rim, sending the Suns' bench into celebration and leaving the Timberwolves stunned. Anthony Edwards' Masterclass Falls Short Despite the heartbreaking loss, Anthony Edwards reminded everyone why he's considered among the NBA's elite players. His 41-point performance was a masterclass in scoring from all three levels, as he attacked the rim relentlessly and connected on several difficult jump shots throughout the contest. Edwards' dominance was particularly evident in the third quarter when Minnesota erased a 15-point halftime deficit. Less than five minutes into the second half, his driving layup gave the Timberwolves a 69-68 advantage, completely shifting the game's momentum. However, his two missed free throws in the final seconds will haunt him, turning what should have been a signature victory into a painful lesson about the importance of every possession. Collin Gillespie: The Unlikely Hero The story of Gillespie's emergence this season has been one of the more compelling narratives in the NBA. With Jalen Green sidelined for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury and Grayson Allen also unavailable, the Villanova product has stepped into a larger role and delivered consistently. Gillespie is now averaging 10.5 points and 5.1 assists in 24 minutes per game. His recent play has placed him in elite historical company—he joins LaMelo Ball and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to accumulate at least 150 points, 75 assists, and 50 rebounds in their first 15 games off the bench in a season. His game-winning shot against Minnesota wasn't luck; it was the culmination of weeks of preparation and the confidence that comes from earning his teammates' trust. When the Suns needed a hero, their backup point guard answered the call. NBA Cup Implications: West Group A Heats Up This victory carries significant weight beyond a single regular-season game. In the Emirates NBA Cup format, the Suns improved to 2-0 in group play, putting them in excellent position to advance from West Group A. The loss dropped Minnesota to 2-1 in Cup competition, creating a fascinating race toward the knockout rounds. The top team in each of the three conference groups automatically advances to the quarterfinals, with wild card spots available for the best remaining teams. With Oklahoma City also lurking in the same group, every game becomes critical for teams with playoff aspirations. Phoenix's ability to win without two starters demonstrates the depth and resilience that coach Mike Budenholzer has built during his first season with the team. The Suns have now proven they can compete against legitimate contenders even when facing significant roster challenges. Looking Ahead: Both Teams Face Critical Stretches For the Suns, this victory marks the beginning of a brutal 12-game stretch where 11 matchups will come against teams with winning records. Their 10-6 record and top-10 rankings in both offensive and defensive efficiency suggest they're ready for the challenge. Phoenix ranks fourth in the NBA in three-pointers made and second in steals per game, indicating a team that generates offense through defensive pressure. Minnesota must quickly regroup from this devastating loss. The Timberwolves travel to Oklahoma City for another crucial West Group A matchup before the group stage concludes. At 10-6 overall, they remain one of the Western Conference's better teams, but questions about their ability to close out games will linger until they prove otherwise. The Bigger Picture: Suns Becoming Legitimate Contenders What makes this Phoenix team dangerous isn't just Devin Booker's scoring prowess or Kevin Durant's championship pedigree—it's the supporting cast stepping up when needed. Role players like Gillespie, Goodwin, and Ryan Dunn have provided energy and production that elevates the entire roster. Friday night's thriller demonstrated that the Suns possess something special: the belief that no deficit is insurmountable and no moment is too big. In a Western Conference loaded with talent, that intangible quality might ultimately be what separates contenders from pretenders. As the Emirates NBA Cup continues and the regular season progresses, Phoenix has served notice that they're ready to compete for more than just playoff positioning. They want it all—and performances like Friday night's miracle suggest they just might get it.