The Phoenix Suns are looking for payback as they face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team that ended their championship dreams in the previous playoffs. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since the Suns' heartbreaking defeat, highlighted by a memorable dunk from Timberwolves' rookie Anthony Edwards that sealed the series. The Suns will also be missing their star player Kevin Durant, who is still recovering from a calf injury. However, the Suns have a tough schedule ahead, including games against the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks, before their highly anticipated rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kevin Durant's Suns Debut Delayed as Phoenix Prepares for Revenge against Timberwolves
The Phoenix Suns are set to begin their NBA season with a chip on their shoulder, eager to avenge their playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The two teams will square off for the first time since the Suns' heartbreaking defeat in the Western Conference semifinals, which ended their championship aspirations.
Background:
The Suns entered the 2022-23 season with high hopes, led by All-Star Devin Booker and a supporting cast that included Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul, and Mikal Bridges. However, they faced adversity early on, with Durant suffering a calf injury that has sidelined him for the start of the season.
Despite the setback, the Suns have remained competitive, with Booker leading the way. They currently hold a 12-10 record, including impressive wins over the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets.
Timberwolves Revenge Game:
The Timberwolves, who upset the Suns in six games last season, will be looking to continue their success against their Western Conference rivals. The game will be particularly emotional for rookie Anthony Edwards, whose thunderous dunk in Game 7 sealed the series victory.
The Suns will be without Durant for the highly anticipated rematch, but they will have a chance to prove that they can compete with the Timberwolves even without their star.
Upcoming Schedule:
After facing the Timberwolves, the Suns have a tough schedule ahead, including games against the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers game will be especially significant, as it will be the Lakers' first home game since trading Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz.
Top 5 FAQs:
When will Kevin Durant return to the Suns?
Who will replace Durant in the starting lineup?
Are the Suns still contenders without Durant?
Who is the favorite in the Timberwolves-Suns game?
What is the Lakers' record after trading Westbrook?
The Belgium national team's head coach, Domenico Tedesco, has revealed that Napoli's star striker, Romelu Lukaku, may have to sit out the upcoming Serie A match against Roma due to a knee injury. Lukaku, who recently returned to the Belgium squad for the first time this season, felt discomfort in his knee after playing against Italy on Thursday. Tedesco announced that the 31-year-old will not be able to train or play for at least four to five days, putting his participation in the crucial match at risk.
The interim head coach of the England national team finished his tenure in style, as the Three Lions demolished 10-man Ireland in a dominant second-half display. The victory not only secured promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, but it also set a new record for England's biggest-ever win in a game that was goalless at half-time. To top it off, four different players scored their first goals for England in the same game, a feat that had not been achieved since 1930. The win ensured that England would finish at the top of their group and avoid the hassle of a playoff in the spring.
England dominated in their final game of Lee Carsley's interim tenure, easily defeating Republic of Ireland 5-0 in the Nations League. Goals from Kane, Gordon, Gallagher, Bowen, and Harwood-Bellis propelled England to a win and earned them a promotion to the top tier of the Nations League. Ireland, on the other hand, now face a relegation play-off. Fans can get involved in the conversation on social media using #bbcfootball.
Jon Jones, the undefeated heavyweight champion, is making waves in the UFC world after his latest TKO victory over Stipe Miocic. However, Jones is causing controversy by refusing to fight interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and is instead demanding to challenge light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, stating his desire to face "dangerous established champions." The UFC president Dana White has expressed interest in making the fight happen, but Jones is prepared to retire if his demands are not met, adding to the drama surrounding the potential matchup. As fans and experts debate over what should be next for Jones, one thing is certain: he holds all the power in this negotiation.
In a rain-affected finale to their white-ball tour of the West Indies, England came out victorious in the T20I series, clinching a 3-1 win against the hosts. After three consecutive wins, the West Indies managed to earn a consolation victory in the fourth T20I, chasing down 219. However, the fifth and final match was ultimately washed out after only five overs, securing England's victory. This win marks a successful end to Marcus Trescothick's time as manager for the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum set to take over in January as head coach for the Test team.
In a thrilling match in Milan, France emerged victorious over Italy, securing a top finish in their Nations League group. The game was filled with excitement and drama as both sides fought hard for the win. With this victory, France continues to show their dominance in the soccer world, solidifying their spot as one of the favorites heading into next year's Euro Cup.
After a successful 17-year career, New Zealand's star seamer Tim Southee has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The second highest wicket-taker in New Zealand's cricket history, Southee will play his final match against England at his home ground of Seddon Park in Hamilton. The 35-year-old made his Test debut against England in 2008 and has since taken 385 wickets in 104 Test matches.
In a thrilling game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, quarterback Patrick Mahomes made key plays including a first pass interception and a 40-yard pass to receiver Xavier Worthy. But the Bills put up a strong fight, with defensive players like Brandon Codrington and Ed Oliver making impressive plays. In the end, it was the Chiefs' quarterback that sealed the deal with a third-down sack on Mahomes by defensive end Ed Oliver and linebacker Von Miller.
In a stunning upset, debutant Yarden Shua scores a late winner for Israel against Belgium in the Nations League match. Despite the win, Israel could not avoid relegation from the top tier. The victory also puts Israel on level with Belgium in the final standings with four points in Group A2.