In a stunning Game 7 showdown, the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a historic comeback to eliminate the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets with a 98-90 victory. Despite a slow start, Anthony Edwards led the charge, finishing with 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. His defensive effort against Jamal Murray in the fourth quarter was pivotal in turning the game around.
As the Timberwolves dominated late in the game, Edwards took a moment to wave goodbye to the stunned crowd at Ball Arena. The Nuggets, who had a strong home record, lost to the Wolves three times in this series. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels also contributed with 23 points each, helping Minnesota secure a spot in the Western Conference finals for the first time in 20 years.
Denver had a strong start behind Jamal Murray, who scored 35 points, and Nikola Jokic, who added 34 points and 19 rebounds. However, their efforts were not enough as the rest of the team struggled to score. The Wolves used their stingy defense to claw their way back into the game after facing a 15-point halftime deficit. Naz Reid’s performance off the bench was crucial in maintaining Minnesota’s lead down the stretch.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, acknowledging the burden placed on Murray and Jokic. Despite their best efforts, the defending champions fell short, marking the fifth consecutive year that the defending champion has failed to reach the conference finals. Malone emphasized the learning opportunity in defeat and the potential for the team to bounce back stronger in the future.
The Timberwolves’ victory in Game 7 marked a significant milestone for the franchise, as they advanced to the conference finals for only the second time in their history. The team’s resilience and determination were on full display in their comeback against the Nuggets. Looking ahead, the Wolves will face the Dallas Mavericks in the next round, with high hopes of continuing their playoff success and potentially securing a spot in the NBA Finals.
As the dust settles on a thrilling Game 7, both teams reflect on the intense series and look towards the future. Despite the disappointment for the Nuggets, they remain optimistic about using this experience to fuel their pursuit of another championship. For the Timberwolves, the monumental win serves as validation of their progress and sets the stage for an exciting showdown with the Mavericks in the Western Conference finals. The NBA world awaits the next chapter in this postseason journey as the Minnesota Timberwolves continue their quest for basketball glory.
