MINNEAPOLIS — “Refs you suck. Refs you suck. Refs you suck.” Those were the words that rang loudly inside of Target Center as the Wolves tried to channel their emotions through three quarters of a mucky NBA game dominated with defense, inconsistent whistles, technical fouls, and little offensive sizzle from both teams.
As the fourth quarter arrived, the Wolves were down 66-62 to one of the West’s best in the Phoenix Suns. The game took another tone and intensity swiftly grew as it often does when winning hangs in the balance. Both offenses started flashing their powers trying to steal a win—one team desperate to kick off a four-game homestand with a key victory against a formidable foe, the other trying to find their tired legs on a tough road back-to-back.