On 5-game win streak, Wolves eye strong start vs. Suns

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch likes the way his team is finishing its games.

Now he wants to see some better starts.

The Timberwolves will have a chance to start fast when they tip off against the Phoenix Suns on Monday night in Minneapolis.

Minnesota is looking to increase its winning streak to six following a 109-106 triumph at home against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night. That victory followed back-to-back wins over the New Orleans Pelicans and one apiece over the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics.

Finch is happy with his players' determination in close and late moments, but he also wishes that they would not create difficult circumstances in the early going.

As usual, Minnesota's coach puts the emphasis on defense.

"(We've) got to get a better effort defensively from our main guys right now," Finch said. "Starting the first half just too casual. It's now been five games in a row, and we've had to come from behind to win it, but we're not putting our stamp on the game defensively right away.

"We're just too loose."

Phoenix also is looking for improvements as it travels north. The Suns are coming off a 117-98 road loss against the Houston Rockets and have lost three of their past four.

The Suns, much like the Timberwolves, want to anchor their performances on defense.

Suns guard Collin Gillespie and his teammates believe they can bounce back from their loss against the Rockets. Monday's contest will mark the third installment of a four-game road trip.

"I think we got good looks (against Houston), they just didn't fall," Gillespie said. "It was one of those nights. We just can't let our offense dictate the flow of the game and our defense. We can never let that happen defensively. Whether we're missing shots or making shots, defense has always got to come first and be our staple."

The Suns will need to find a way to slow down Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards. He is averaging a team-high 28.1 points per game on 48.8% shooting, including 41.6% from 3-point range.

Julius Randle ranks second on Minnesota with 23 ppg. Jaden McDaniels is third with 16, and he will try to stay hot after scoring 27 points on 10-for-13 shooting against the Clippers.

Finch praised McDaniels for his contributions on offense. He's also considered to be one of the Timberwolves' top defenders.

"He has all the kinds of qualities of a good mid-range shooter," Finch said. "He can get to his spot, under control. (He) gets good balance, can get up in the air. Not many people can affect (his shot) with a block or a contest, and he takes his time."

Devin Booker leads the Suns in scoring with 25 ppg on 45.7% shooting but will miss his second straight game with a groin injury. Dillon Brooks is averaging 22.3 ppg and Grayson Allen is scoring 17.3 ppg.

Brooks, who is questionable for Monday's game due to left Achilles soreness, explained the Suns' mindset before they headed to Minnesota.

"We just have to be more physical, withstand runs and maybe play a little faster," he said.

--Field Level Media