For a week, the Timberwolves heard the talk that the Suns were a bad match for them in the first round of the playoffs.
For a week, the Wolves had a chance to devise counters to the weaknesses Phoenix exploited in their three regular-season matchups.
The Wolves had a answer for all of the above in a resounding 120-95 Game 1 victory over Phoenix on Saturday at Target Center.
Anthony Edwards, who had averaged just over 14 points against Phoenix this season, exploded for 33 points, including 18 in a third quarter that the Wolves grabbed hold of the game and didn't let go
Edwards did a fair share of his damage against childhood hero Kevin Durant, and he seemed to relish letting Durant know about a few times while he was on his heater.