Timberwolves Shock Nuggets with Epic Comeback in Game 7 Thriller

The basketball world was left in disbelief as the Minnesota Timberwolves orchestrated a stunning comeback from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 98-90 in Denver during Sunday’s winner-take-all Game 7. This dramatic turnaround secured Minnesota’s first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 2004 and set social media ablaze with reactions.

The series had been marked by several lopsided games, and early on, it appeared Game 7 would follow suit. The Nuggets dominated the first half, building a substantial lead, and it seemed they were on their way to a comfortable victory. However, a disastrous third quarter for Denver and Minnesota’s unwavering determination changed the course of the game.

Despite a slow start from their star player Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves remained poised and patient. Edwards finished with 16 points on a challenging 6-for-24 shooting night but contributed significantly with eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. His defensive effort in the second half, particularly against Jamal Murray, was crucial in turning the tide.

The Timberwolves’ victory was a testament to a complete team effort, with six players scoring in double figures. This depth contrasted sharply with Denver’s reliance on their stars, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who combined for 69 of the Nuggets’ 90 points. Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young encapsulated the admiration for Minnesota’s collective performance, tweeting, “Wolves got a SQUAD man!”

Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with a commanding performance, scoring 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting and securing a double-double with 12 rebounds. Towns’ clutch play drew praise from across the league. Milwaukee Bucks point guard Patrick Beverley, who previously played for Minnesota, defended Towns against his critics, tweeting, “I don’t wanna hear anymore bad talk about Kat ever. He has been locked in.” Beverley even likened the duo of Edwards and Towns to the legendary Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls.

Jaden McDaniels also played a pivotal role, contributing 23 points on an efficient 70% shooting, along with six rebounds, two steals, and one block. His aggressive play and high-energy performances were highlighted by an audacious dunk attempt with 20 seconds remaining. Although the dunk didn’t succeed, it showcased McDaniels’ killer instinct and drew praise from peers like Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero, who described the attempt as “crazy” and lauded McDaniels as a “psychopath” for his fearless attitude.

As the final buzzer sounded, the significance of the Timberwolves’ triumph was felt deeply. NBA icon Jamal Crawford approached Towns and Edwards, sharing a private moment of congratulations, which he later posted on social media. The respect from around the league was palpable, with numerous players and commentators celebrating Minnesota’s resilience and teamwork.

The defeat for Denver was a painful echo of past playoff heartbreaks. In 2019, the Nuggets similarly squandered a large lead in Game 7 of the conference semifinals against the Portland Trail Blazers. Former Trail Blazer Evan Turner couldn’t help but draw parallels, tweeting, “This look like game 7 back in 2019 tbh.”

Looking ahead, the Timberwolves face a formidable challenge in the Western Conference Finals against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. The anticipation for this series is already building, with Chicago Bulls shooting guard Alex Caruso tweeting, “Luka or Ant coming out of the west.”

Minnesota will host the first two games of the series, providing a crucial home-court advantage. Anthony Edwards, buoyed by the victory and the team’s momentum, extended a personal invitation to NBA legend Charles Barkley, saying, “Bring ya ass,” signaling the Timberwolves’ readiness to make their mark on the national stage.

Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at 8:30 p.m. ET. As the Timberwolves prepare to continue their remarkable playoff run, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this resilient team can carry their momentum all the way to the NBA Finals.