When we discussed the Western Conference semifinals between the Nuggets and Timberwolves back on May 1, we noted that it had the potential to be one of the very best series of the NBA’s 2024 playoffs. Sixteen days later, it seems safe to say that’s exactly what we got.
The Timberwolves surprised everyone by beating the defending champions in back-to-back games on their home court in Denver to open the series, taking a 2-0 lead back to Minnesota. With some media members already writing the obituary for the Nuggets’ season, Nikola Jokic‘s squad responded by reeling off three consecutive wins to reclaim the upper hand. Facing elimination on Thursday, Minnesota submitted arguably the most dominant performance by any NBA team this postseason, defeating the Nuggets by 45 points to force a Game 7.
Jokic (28.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 8.0 APG) has played like the Most Valuable Player he is in the series, and rising Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards (29.7 PPG on .551/.415/.838 shooting) has performed like a future MVP. But several of their co-stars have been inconsistent.
Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who was already dealing with a calf issue before injuring his elbow in Game 6, has averaged just 15.7 PPG on 38.2% shooting through six games, and is coming off a forgettable 4-of-18 night. Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. has scored single-digit points in four of six games. Wolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns found ways to contribute as a rebounder, passer, and defender in Game 6, but he scored a series-low 10 points and has now averaged 15.0 PPG on 42.6% shooting in the past four contests.
If Jokic and Edwards are both operating at the peak of their powers in Game 7, the result may ultimately come down to whether Murray or Towns gets going, or which role players come up big at the right time. In Game 5, that was Aaron Gordon (18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (16 points, 4-of-5 on three-pointers). In Game 6, it was Jaden McDaniels (21 points on 8-of-10 shooting) and Mike Conley (13 points, five assists, no turnovers).
Even though both teams have 1-2 home records in the series, home court advantage could also be a deciding factor. The Nuggets were 33-8 during the regular season playing in the elevation of Denver and are currently listed as 4.5-point favorites for Sunday’s game, per BetOnline.ag.
Whatever the outcome, it would be great to see Game 7 go down to the wire. As entertaining and as back-and-forth as the series has been so far, none of the first six games featured a possession in which the trailing team could tie the score or take the lead in the final five minutes, notes Zach Kram of The Ringer. Maybe that will happen for the first time on Sunday.
Which team will win Game 7 and advance to the Western Conference Finals? Vote in our poll, then head to the comment section below to share your thinking!
I have Nuggets 3 points favorites because of home court
Prediction
Nuggets 106
Wolves 103
I’m thinking a little more like Nuggets, 119-105
Nuggets got the poop the bed game out of their system in game six. They’ll pull out a competitive game seven win.
Wolves time is coming, it’s just not this year.
Defense wins championships
So do the greatest players and the Joker is the best. I think he will have a massive game and when this happens you know how it usually ends. Maybe next year, if Anthony Edwards keeps growing the outcome would be different. Oh and the winner of this series will beat whoever wins the other semifinals. IMO of course
Minnesota gets such a boost when McDaniels contributes on offence. Potential Big spot for KAT as well
I honestly think Wolves A game beats Nugs A game, not that we will see either or any of them Sunday
This is why you get home court for playoffs. You want gm 7 at Home. Didn’t think Minny had it in them, as a team. They have stepped up this series. Imo the winner of this series . Wins it all …..
Someone please check for me the last time a team lost three straight games in the playoffs and still won the title that year.
Almost happened last season
For Chosen Dud
link to reddit.com
2023 Heat came close to the distinction. They lost 3 straight in BACK-TO-BACK series, but went a lot farther than probably the vast majority of teams that lost 3 straight in a single series.
Nugs failed to incorporate Watson, despite his ability to guard Edwards, and now they must pay the price for giving MPJ star player minutes. You just can’t have one dimensional players regularly play heavy minutes in a best of 7.
The nuggets became boring to watch.. once they lost bruuuce (and Vlatko), the offense became less reflexive.
If anyone can make lemonade out of their depleted wings situation, it’s Jokic.. but not with MPJ – Give him yung p-w0t!
I believe Jokić will frustrate the Twolves with his pace of play and it will force the Wolves to take chances and they will make mistakes…
The Pressure of a game 7 will lay heavy on Minnesota and it will show as the game goes on…
Next year might be a different story but Jokic is Hunting Back to Back Championships and he is to close to fail now…
He can Smell it!!!!
Minnesota Timberwolves in a blowout.