Anthony Edwards energized the crowd with a determined performance as the Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Denver Nuggets 115-70, pushing the series to a decisive Game 7. Edwards, flashing seven fingers to symbolize the upcoming final game, scored 27 points, leading the Timberwolves to a remarkable victory on Thursday night.
Jaden McDaniels contributed 21 points and played strong defense, while Mike Conley added 13 points in his return from injury. The Timberwolves’ big men, Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Naz Reid, combined for 38 rebounds, successfully containing NBA MVP Nikola Jokic to a modest 22 points. This win marked the largest margin of victory in a postseason game since the Chicago Bulls’ 54-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks in 2015.
Reflecting on the game, Edwards emphasized the team’s renewed confidence. “Guys just believing in themselves,” he said. “I think the last three games we were all down on ourselves.” The Timberwolves will head to Denver for Game 7 on Sunday, aiming for a spot in the Western Conference finals, a goal Edwards had promised after their Game 5 loss.
The Nuggets faced significant struggles, with Jamal Murray scoring only 10 points on 4-for-18 shooting while managing a sore elbow. Denver’s bench was heavily outscored 36-9, with most of their points coming in the final minutes of the game. The Timberwolves’ reserves led a 24-0 run in the fourth quarter, building an insurmountable 50-point lead following a 20-0 surge in the first quarter.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch praised his team’s effort, saying, “We talked a lot today just about getting our edge back, our swagger, playing a little more free and easy. It just felt like we hadn’t had our best effort on both sides of the ball yet.” This was the first time a defending NBA champion had lost a playoff game by more than 36 points, as the Nuggets were outrebounded 62-43.
Edwards’ standout performance included a series of impressive plays, such as turning a steal into a fast break dunk and drawing fouls on drives to the basket. The Timberwolves’ offensive strategy, bolstered by Conley’s return, was instrumental in their success. Conley’s presence helped organize the team’s half-court sets, keeping their play sharp and efficient.
Looking ahead to Game 7, the Timberwolves are motivated by their resurgence. Edwards, who scored 44 points in a previous game at Target Center, continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess, contributing crucial points during pivotal runs. The Timberwolves’ defense, which had shown weaknesses in earlier games, came together to stifle the Nuggets, particularly limiting Murray’s effectiveness.
With a place in the Western Conference finals at stake, both teams are preparing for a highly anticipated showdown. The Timberwolves’ confidence and cohesion, highlighted by their recent performance, set the stage for an exciting conclusion to this playoff series.