The Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the NBA world on Thursday night, punching their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years. With a dominant second-half performance, they eliminated the defending champion Denver Nuggets in a nail-biting Game 7 at Ball Arena. Minnesota’s 98-90 victory wasn’t just about grit — it was a statement that this team is no longer just potential, but a real contender.
Game / News Breakdown
It was a tale of two halves in Denver. The Nuggets came out strong, feeding off the energy of their home crowd and building a 15-point lead early in the third quarter. Nikola Jokic was facilitating, Jamal Murray was catching fire, and it looked like Minnesota might fold under the pressure.
But the Timberwolves fought back with defense, something they’ve hang their hat on all season. They held the Nuggets to just 37 second-half points, flipping the switch with intense ball pressure and timely plays. A 28-9 run in the final quarter completely turned the game. Denver, the reigning champions, couldn’t find their rhythm when it mattered most.
The Wolves made it clear — this team’s time is now.
Key Players & Performances
Minnesota leaned on its young core and veteran toughness to control the most important stretches of Game 7.
– **Anthony Edwards** had an off shooting night (6-for-24), but his impact extended far beyond the box score. He contributed with rebounds, critical defensive stops, and playmaking during Minnesota’s comeback stretch. His energy sparked the entire team when they needed it most.
– **Karl-Anthony Towns** came up huge in the second half. He finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds, and most impressively — he defended without fouling against Jokic. His poise in big moments was key.
– **Jaden McDaniels** was arguably the unsung hero. He scored 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting and was a lockdown presence on the perimeter. His ability to switch onto anyone made Denver’s offense uncomfortable all night.
For Denver:
– **Nikola Jokic** ended with 34 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists. As always, he anchored the Nuggets’ offense, but Minnesota’s defense in the final quarter forced difficult shots and limited his easy touches.
– **Jamal Murray** had 24 points but went cold late, missing 5 of his last 6 attempts. Minnesota’s pressure wore him down as the game went on.
Team Impact & Standings
With the win, the Timberwolves secured their first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 2004. For a franchise long overshadowed by inconsistency and underachievement, this marks a huge turning point. Minnesota’s blend of youthful fire, elite defense, and versatile scoring has finally come together at just the right time.
– The series win over Denver, especially in a Game 7 on the road, positions the Wolves as serious championship contenders.
– They overcame a 3-2 deficit and two straight elimination games, showcasing mental toughness rare for such a young roster.
As for the Nuggets, it’s a brutal end to a promising season. After finishing with the West’s second-best record, they fall short in their repeat bid. The core remains elite, but questions now surround the supporting cast, depth, and long-term viability of their roster construction.
What’s Next
The Timberwolves now advance to face the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Dallas, led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, also comes in hot after knocking out the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. The series promises a showdown of styles:
– Minnesota’s top-ranked defense vs. Dallas’ high-octane offense.
– Edwards and Towns vs. Luka and Kyrie — a battle of All-Stars with very different skillsets.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals tips off Wednesday night in Minneapolis.
For Denver, the offseason starts early. While Jokic is under contract long-term and still playing at an MVP level, the front office will need to examine the depth chart, particularly bench scoring and wing defense. They’ll be back, but the league is clearly catching up.
Conclusion
Minnesota’s stunning Game 7 win isn’t just a feel-good story — it’s proof this team belongs among the NBA’s elite. From scrappy underdogs to legitimate title contenders, the Timberwolves are making history and doing it their way.
With one more challenge ahead on the road to the Finals, Minnesota’s message is clear: they’re not satisfied yet.