NBA Playoffs
Timberwolves comeback from 20-point deficit to stun Nuggets in Game 7
In a dramatic and unexpected match, the Minnesota Timberwolves staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, securing their place in the conference finals. The Timberwolves overcame a daunting 20-point deficit in the second half to clinch a 98-90 victory, stunning the defending champions and their home crowd at Ball Arena.
The game began with both teams struggling offensively, combining for a dismal 6-of-24 shooting performance in the early minutes. The Nuggets, however, managed to find their rhythm towards the end of the first quarter, embarking on an 18-3 run that left the Timberwolves scoreless for over five minutes. By halftime, Denver had built a substantial lead, with star player Nikola Jokić already recording a double-double. Meanwhile, Minnesota's Anthony Edwards faced difficulties with his shooting, contributing to the team's offensive woes.
The second half marked a significant shift in momentum. The Timberwolves, who had been largely stagnant, came alive in the third quarter. They executed a 19-3 run, mirroring the Nuggets' earlier dominance, and held Denver scoreless for over six minutes. Edwards, who had struggled in the first half, found his form and drilled a crucial step-back three-pointer, cutting the deficit to a single point by the end of the third quarter.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves continued their resurgence. Rudy Gobert's fadeaway jumper and Naz Reid's put-back dunk over Jokić, followed by a fast-break three-pointer, exemplified Minnesota's newfound energy and determination. Despite the Nuggets' efforts to regain control, the Timberwolves maintained their momentum and ultimately secured an eight-point victory.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Edwards contributed 16 points, with 12 of those coming in the second half. Jayden McDaniels also played a pivotal role, finishing with 21 points. Despite shooting poorly from behind the arc, hitting only 10-of-34 attempts, and managing less than 40% shooting accuracy as a team, Minnesota's resilience and defensive tenacity proved decisive.
For the Nuggets, Jokić delivered a commendable performance with 34 points, 19 rebounds, and seven assists, although he struggled from three-point range, making just 2-of-10 attempts. Jamal Murray led all scorers with 35 points, but it was not enough to stave off the Timberwolves' relentless comeback.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the Timberwolves, who will now face Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals. This will be Minnesota's second appearance in the conference finals, their first since 2004 when they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks, who closed out the Oklahoma City Thunder in their semifinals series, will pose a formidable challenge, with Dončić recording his third consecutive triple-double in their decisive Game 6.
The Timberwolves' journey to the conference finals has been marked by resilience and determination. After sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the first round, Minnesota faced a tough battle against the Nuggets. The series saw its fair share of twists and turns, with the Timberwolves winning the first two games, only to be countered by Denver's three-game winning streak. Minnesota's crushing 115-70 victory in Game 6 set the stage for the dramatic Game 7 showdown.
Coach Chris Finch praised his team's effort and resilience, emphasizing the importance of their collective identity and determination. "We've had a great season, and these guys have done a great job of coming together, leaning on an identity, and playing for each other," Finch said. "But we don't feel like our work is done, so we're excited tonight to get a win."
As the Timberwolves prepare for their upcoming series against the Mavericks, the team's focus will be on maintaining their defensive intensity and building on the momentum from their historic comeback. With key players like Towns, Edwards, and Gobert stepping up in crucial moments, Minnesota will look to continue their impressive playoff run and make a strong push for the NBA Finals.