The Minnesota Timberwolves lost an eight-point lead in the final 50 seconds Friday night in Phoenix during a 114-113 NBA Cup loss to the upstart Suns. They lost something else over the final minute and a half, too, according to Wolves head caoch Chris Finch.

Minnesota had the game in the bag until two turnovers and a pair of missed free throws killed them in Phoenix.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards led the team tonight into a crucial group stage matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Despite admittedly not understanding

At 2-1 with a plus-53 point differential, they are still in the NBA Cup hunt. But a win would have all but clinched a spot in the quarters.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/suns/onsi as Red-Hot Suns Face Major Test Against Timberwolves in NBA Cup Showdown. PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns (9-6) play their second NBA Cup group play game tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves (10-5) at Mortgage Matchup Center.

The Minnesota Timberwolves had an eight-point lead with less than minute to go Friday night, talking a little smack to their opponents as a hard-fought, chippy game between Western Conference rivals came to a close.

In his third season, Gillespie has established himself as an early contender for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award.

After being knotted at 20-20, the Suns took a 32-24 lead into the second quarter thanks to a poor shooting effort (32% from the field, 25% from downtown) with Collin Gillespie leading all Suns in scoring with eight points coming off the bench.

BOTTOM LINE: The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA Cup in-season tournament group play matchup. The Suns are 8-5 in Western Conference games. Phoenix is 0-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.