The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets from the NBA playoffs Thursday night, securing a 110-98 victory in Game 6 to win the first-round series 4-2. The upset came despite the Timberwolves dealing with significant injuries, which they overcame to defeat the favored third-seeded Nuggets.
Denver, the 2023 NBA champion, was led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, but could not hold off a determined Minnesota squad. The sixth-seeded Timberwolves leaned on contributions from players like Terrence Shannon Jr., who played a key role in the win.
The series victory marks a notable postseason run for Minnesota, who now advance to face the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semi-finals. The Timberwolves' ability to win while short-handed raises questions about the Nuggets' depth and playoff readiness.
Minnesota's triumph over a championship-caliber opponent signals their emergence as a legitimate contender in the West. For the Nuggets, the early exit triggers scrutiny of their roster construction and Jokic's supporting cast.
Analysts will watch how far the Timberwolves' momentum carries them against the Spurs, whose playoff experience could test Minnesota's resilience.