Former Virginia Tech guard helps Timberwolves blowout Suns in Game 1 of the playoffs

Saturday was the first full day of the 2024 NBA playoffs with four first-round series kicking off, two each in the Eastern and Western Conferences. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic opened the postseason early in the afternoon, then mid-afternoon, the Minnesota Timberwolves opened their series at home against the Phoenix Suns.

Minnesota, which earned the third seed and the tough task of playing Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, opened the series with a 120-95 victory at home, and former Virginia Tech guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker played a huge role in the win.

Former Virginia Tech guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker helped Minnesota beat Phoenix

Coming off of the bench, Alexander-Walker played just under 29 minutes and was third ins coring with 18 points, four rebounds, four steals, and two assists. He was 7-for-12 from the field, 4-from-9 from behind the 3-point line. Late in the second quarter and the Timberwolves holding a 10-point lead, Alexander-Walker had a steal and went coast-to-coast for a layup.

Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 33 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 19, followed by Alexander-Walker's 18. Rudy Gobert had 14 points and Naz Reid had 12 for Minnesota to finish in double-figures.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will be Tuesday night back in Minnesota at 7:30 and Alexander-Walker will look to follow up his Game 1 performance in Game 2 to give the Timberwolves a commanding 2-0 series lead heading to Phoenix for Games 3 and 4 next weekend.