Phoenix Suns Trounce Minnesota Timberwolves, 114-90

The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a lot of injuries this season and they now look like a team that can't wait for their offseason to begin. The Phoenix Suns are battling for a playoff spot in a tight Western Conference race and they look like a team battling for a playoff spot.

When the two opposing motivations met on Monday night, the "battling for a playoff spot" did much better than the "can't wait for their offseason to begin".

The story of the game was the Suns superior bench play and far more talented perimeter players.

Marcin Gortat and Channing Frye only scored a combined 13 points for the starting front line, but it didn't matter when Michael Redd (13 points), Shannon Brown (17 points) and rookie Markieff Morris (team-high 21 points) were getting the job done.

Typifying the lopsided win, the Suns shot over 57 percent from the field while holding the T-Wolves to just 39 percent. The bench for Phoenix outscored their hosts, 66 to 27. And with a tough road schedule ahead this week, Steve Nash only needed to play 26 stress-free minutes.

All around it was about as dominating win as you're likely to see from this team.

Next up, the hot Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Those bears should be ready for a fight.

For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" us on Facebook.

Phoenix Suns Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TV Schedule, Lineups And More Kevin Love Love

The Minnesota Timberwolves (25-32) flirtation with being a .500 team and possible playoff participant ended with the torn ACL of Ricky Rubio. Without their Spanish rookie, the Wolves defense has suffered and the ball movement and transition offense just isn't the same. Add to that some health issue on their front line and an ankle injury to Luke Ridnour and this just isn't the same team.

That's all fine and well for the Phoenix Suns (29-27) who who have a tough week ahead of them and need to get off on the right foot with a win on Monday night. It won't be easy, however, with Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic in the game.

Love has elevated his status to elite level in the NBA and Pekovic is very difficult to handle in the paint. The two work well together and share the ball, rebound and (sometimes) defend.

Expect a high-scoring game and the Suns depth and perimeter players to make the difference.

Projected Lineups:

• Point guard: Steve Nash --- Jose Juan Barea
• Shooting guard: Shannon Brown -- Wesley Johnson
• Small forward: Jared Dudley -- Martell Webster
• Power forward: Channing Frye -- Kevin Love
• Center: Marcin Gortat -- Nikola Pekovic
• Key subs: Suns (Sebastian Telfair, Robin Lopez, Michael Redd). T-Wolves (Michael Beasley, Wayne Ellington, Derrick Williams, Malcolm Lee, Anthony Randolph)

TV broadcast info:

The Suns game tips off at 6:00 p.m. Arizona time on Fox Sports Arizona and ESPN 2 and Arizona Sports 620 radio. Bright Side of the Sun will have the live game thread.

For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" us on Facebook.

NBA Playoffs 2012: Where The Suns Stand

The Phoenix Suns still have a good chance at making it into the playoffs. Here's how the road ahead looks over the last couple of weeks.

Suns Schedule 2012: Phoenix Hits The Road Still Gunning For A Playoff Spot

The Phoenix Suns are still attempting to make a push toward the postseason. They will play four road games this week as they try to gain ground in the Western Conference.