Denver, CO—In the closed-out game 7 showdown, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves orchestrated a remarkable comeback to dethrone the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, with a final score of 98-90 at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday night.
Despite trailing by 20 points in the second half, the Timberwolves staged an extraordinary rally, erasing a 15-point halftime deficit, marking the largest comeback in Game 7 history in NBA playoffs. Anthony Edwards, who initially struggled with just four points, no rebounds, and three assists at halftime, emerged as a pivotal figure in the resurgence. Despite his 6-of-24 shooting, including a 2-for-10 performance from beyond the arc, Edwards contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Reflecting on his performance, Edwards acknowledged his initial struggle to find rhythm but emphasized his trust in his teammates, crediting their collective effort for the victory. His defensive prowess was particularly notable, as he repeatedly thwarted Jamal Murray, who had a stellar first half with 24 points but was contained to 35 points overall.
As the game reached its climax, Edwards delivered a final farewell to the stunned crowd, symbolizing the Timberwolves’ triumphant victory over a formidable opponent. With standout performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels, who each scored 23 points, the Timberwolves secured their ticket to the Western Conference finals for the first time in two decades.
Despite Murray’s impressive performance for the Nuggets, who scored 35 points, and Nikola Jokic’s 34-point, 19-rebound effort, the lack of support from their teammates ultimately led to their defeat.
For the Timberwolves, the victory marks a significant milestone in their journey, with center Rudy Gobert expressing pride in defeating such a formidable adversary. Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will face the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals, poised to continue their quest for NBA glory.
As the Nuggets grapple with the disappointment of their early exit, coach Michael Malone remains optimistic about the team’s future, drawing inspiration from past setbacks to fuel future success.
In a league where defending champions often falter in their quest for consecutive titles, the Nuggets join a legacy of teams striving to defy the odds. Despite the defeat, Murray remains determined to reclaim their status as contenders, embracing the challenge of once again becoming the hunters in the NBA landscape.
