Timberwolves outlast Suns 89-85 in Summer League thriller in Las Vegas

The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a gritty 89-85 win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in a back-and-forth NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t clean. But it was exactly the kind of gritty, late-game execution that could define a team’s trajectory in the developmental league. The win improved Minnesota’s record to 4-1, tying them with San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and Atlanta for the best start in the 18-team tournament. Meanwhile, the Suns dropped to 1-3 — a brutal slide after a promising opener.

Fourth-quarter surge seals the deal

For three quarters, it looked like Phoenix had this one locked up. They exploded for 32 points in the first, riding the hot hand of Boogie Ellis, who dropped 23 points on the night. But then came the collapse — a 10-point second quarter that turned a 22-point lead into a 12-point deficit by halftime. The Suns’ offense went cold. Their defense? Nonexistent. Minnesota, meanwhile, stayed patient. They didn’t panic. They just kept grinding.

The turning point? The fourth quarter. The Timberwolves outscored Phoenix 32-26 in the final 12 minutes, turning defense into transition, and transition into baskets. It wasn’t one player carrying them — it was a collective effort. Rob Dillingham, the second-year guard out of Kansas, led the charge with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. He wasn’t just scoring; he was orchestrating. Leonard Miller added 22 points on efficient 8-of-16 shooting. And even though ESPN’s box score doesn’t list it, multiple highlight clips show Fleming hitting a reverse layup off a backdoor cut, and Moses Wood blocking a shot that sparked a fast break.

Ellis shines, but it’s not enough

For Phoenix, Boogie Ellis was the lone bright spot. The 2024 second-round pick played like a veteran, hitting tough mid-range jumpers, drawing fouls, and even knocking down free throws down the stretch to keep it a two-point game with under 30 seconds left. But when the Suns needed a stop, they couldn’t get one. And when they needed a basket to tie or take the lead? The ball stuck. The shot clock ran down. The energy drained.

"They didn’t break," said one scout watching from the stands. "Minnesota didn’t have their best shooter, didn’t have their best defender — and still found a way. That’s the sign of a team that’s learning how to win under pressure."

Summer League isn’t just about wins

Let’s be real: nobody’s buying a jersey for Rob Dillingham or Leonard Miller. This isn’t the NBA playoffs. But for franchises like Minnesota and Phoenix, this tournament is a lab. A testing ground. A place to see who can handle the noise, the pressure, the lack of structure.

For the Timberwolves, this win is more than a number on a board. It’s proof their young core — many of whom played zero minutes last season — can compete. It’s validation that their development staff is doing something right. And it’s a signal to the front office: they’ve got depth. They’ve got hustle. They’ve got players who don’t flinch when the lights are dimmer but the stakes are still high.

For Phoenix? It’s a wake-up call. After a promising start, they’ve lost three straight. Boogie Ellis is clearly a talent. But who’s supporting him? Who’s stepping up when the offense stalls? The Suns’ roster is filled with prospects — Schumacher, Malawatch, Newton, Clark — but none of them delivered when it mattered most.

What’s next for both teams?

The NBA Summer League runs through July 20, with the championship round set for the final weekend. Minnesota’s next game is against the LA Clippers — a tough test, but one they’re now clearly ready for. With four teams tied at 4-1, the race for seeding is wide open. A win here could mean a favorable path to the title game.

Phoenix? They need to win their next two just to get back to .500. And even then, they’ll be fighting for a spot in the play-in games. The clock is ticking. And with no established stars on the floor, the pressure falls squarely on the shoulders of their young guards and big men to prove they belong.

Behind the scenes: The Summer League grind

Most fans don’t realize how brutal this tournament is. Players are living in hotels, flying between games, practicing twice a day, and playing in 95-degree heat inside the Thomas & Mack Center. No ESPN cameras. No national radio. Just coaches, scouts, and a handful of diehards in the stands. It’s not glamorous. But it’s where careers are built.

Rob Dillingham, for instance, was a second-round pick last year who barely played in the regular season. Now, he’s leading his team in scoring and assists. That’s not luck. That’s growth. And that’s why Summer League matters.

Meanwhile, Boogie Ellis is getting his chance to prove he’s more than a draft-day gamble. He’s got the scoring touch. But can he play defense? Can he lead? Can he make his teammates better? Those are the questions Phoenix’s front office is watching closely.