In a resounding display of talent and leadership, Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a resounding 115-70 victory over the Denver Nuggets last Thursday night to even the series 3 - 3.
Edwards Shines with 27 Points
Edwards' performance was simply stellar, scoring 27 points and leading his team out of a series slump. His dynamic play was evident throughout the game, culminating in a symbolic gesture where he flashed seven fingers to the crowd, signaling his determination to take the series to a decisive Game 7.
Jaden McDaniels was another crucial figure in the Timberwolves' success. Contributing 21 points, McDaniels also demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess. His offensive contribution, often considered an extra, proved critical in this game.
He made 3-of-5 baskets from beyond the arc and added several timely dunks that ignited the home crowd. His all-around play provided the Timberwolves with a much-needed spark, particularly in energizing the team and the fans.
Mike Conley, returning from injury, scored 13 points and had a significant impact on the Timberwolves' performance.
His presence on the court brought a sense of stability and organization to the team's half-court offense, which had been conspicuously absent in Game 5 during his absence.
Conley's experience and leadership were instrumental in ensuring that the Timberwolves executed their plays efficiently, maintaining their competitive edge throughout the game.
The combined efforts of Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid were crucial in securing the victory.
The trio collectively amassed 38 rebounds, playing a relentless game that limited the MVP of the NBANikola Jokic to a relatively quiet 22 points.
huge impact from Jaden McDaniels. 💪 pic.twitter.com/qTfj6CZfIx
- Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 17, 2024
Historic Beatdown
The Timberwolves' 45-point margin of victory was the largest in a postseason game since 2015, when the Chicago Bulls defeated the Milwaukee Bucks by 54 points in a decisive first-round game.
The thrashing marked a significant turnaround for the Timberwolves, who had struggled in the previous games of the series. The victory not only revitalized the team's confidence, but also demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level when it mattered most.
Anthony Edwards highlighted the team's renewed confidence, noting that in the previous three games the players had been discouraged.
The decisive Game 7, which will determine who advances to the Western Conference Finals, is scheduled to take place in Denver on Sunday night.
Edwards had previously assured a member of the locker room staff at Ball Arena that the Timberwolves would force a Game 7, showing his confidence and leadership.
Jamal Murray had a rough night, scoring just 10 points on 4-of-18 shooting from the field while dealing with a sore elbow.
His problems were compounded by defensive pressure from the Timberwolves, particularly McDaniels and Edwards, who kept him out of rhythm. Murray's bad night included a remarkable fingertip layup and several other missed opportunities.
Significant Gusts
The Nuggets bench was outscored 36-9 by the Timberwolves reserves, with seven of those points coming in the final five minutes of the game. This disparity highlighted the depth and effectiveness of Minnesota's bench, which played a crucial role in maintaining and extending its lead.
The game featured several significant spurts by the Timberwolves, including a 20-0 surge by the starters in the first quarter and a 24-0 run by the reserves in the fourth quarter.
These spurts were instrumental in building and solidifying their substantial lead, ultimately leading to the historic 50-point advantage.
The 45-point loss was also the worst playoff defeat suffered by a defending NBA champion, underscoring the magnitude of the Timberwolves' performance and the severity of the Nuggets' struggles in this game.
