NBA playoffs: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 7 updates, score ...
Will the Timberwolves' vibes pull them through to the next round? Or will the Nuggets' experience prove the deciding factor of Game 7? (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
This Game 7 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets could be an all-timer. Not only is it the deciding game in a hotly contested series between two incredibly talented teams, the storylines surrounding this matchup have made it even more compelling.
The Nuggets are a machine. This is the sixth consecutive year they've made it to the playoffs, and they're the defending champions. The duo of Jamal Murray and three-time MVP Nikola Jokić is borderline unstoppable. As a franchise they're 4-3 in Game 7's, but this core group of players is 3-1. They've got the experience and the talent.
But don't look now, the Timberwolves are coming. They've made the playoff three years in a row. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns are coming into their own. The vibes are impeccable. They've even made Rudy Gobert likable!
That alone might not be enough for them to overcome the Nuggets, but the Timberwolves have one other thing on their side for Game 7: history. Sunday is the 20th anniversary of Minnesota's 83-80 Game 7 win over the Sacramento Kings in the second round, in which birthday boy Kevin Garnett scored 32 points with 21 rebounds, five blocks, and four steals.
Will a Timberwolves player turn in a KG-esque performance that will lift them over the Nuggets? Or will the experience of Jokić and Co. end Minnesota's run? Follow all the Game 7 action below.
Live27 updates
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 4:04 AM GMT+2
Minny has to trust Rudy in the short roll. I know it’s impossible to consider but that’s what Denver will give up. Every now and then hit him.
— Mike Cyprien (@CoachCyp_NOLA) May 20, 2024
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 4:03 AM GMT+2
The Wolves are in the bonus for the next 8:23 … and up 77-72.
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:56 AM GMT+2
Who had Rudy Gobert giving the Wolves their first lead of the game?
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:52 AM GMT+2
Nuggets lead 67-66 after three quarters. We've got a game.
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:48 AM GMT+2
Before that Jokic bucket it was a 21-3 run by the Wolves
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:45 AM GMT+2
Nuggets have 8 points this quarter. Yikes.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) May 20, 2024
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:44 AM GMT+2
The Nuggets' lead is now down to 4 as they cannot make a shot! 19-3 run!
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:35 AM GMT+2
FINALLY! Ant gets in the open floor, gets a layup for his second bucket of the night.
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:25 AM GMT+2
The lead is 20 in the opening minutes of the second half. If the Wolves have any composure, it better show up soon.
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:11 AM GMT+2
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:10 AM GMT+2
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:10 AM GMT+2
If you looked at Christian Braun's box score right now (3 pts/2 rebs/2 asts/1 blk in 11 mins), you'd completely miss the impact he's had on this game.
Great defense, effort, and physicality. You can tell this isn't his first rodeo when it comes to big games.
— Mat Issa (@matissa15) May 20, 2024
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 3:08 AM GMT+2
A weird series gets weirder in a Game 7, as expected. 53-38 at the half. Jamal Murray with 24, Ant 1-of-7 for 4 points. You couldn’t script it any better for the champs.
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 2:59 AM GMT+2
Karl Towns, literally keeping this game from being a blowout. 13 of the Wolves' 38 points. They trail by 10.
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 2:54 AM GMT+2
Anthony Edwards: 2 pointsJamal Murray: 20 points
— Michael Pina (@MichaelVPina) May 20, 2024
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 2:39 AM GMT+2
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 2:38 AM GMT+2
The Nuggets are starting to tighten their defense on Edwards. He’s passing out, but Gobert and Co. aren’t responding. 33% shooting for MIN, and the Nuggets are on their first big surge, lead 30-19.
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 2:33 AM GMT+2
Based on the bench reactions and some of the players on the floor, I don't think Minnesota is bringing help from where they want on the Jokic post-ups. They keep doubling him with the guy one-pass away. That's creating some easy passes for shots for Denver.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 20, 2024
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 2:28 AM GMT+2
It looks like Minnesota is trying to get Murray on Edwards on switches. Denver is double-switching as the Wolves flow into the action. It's keeping Murray off Edwards. Wolves might need to hold up the screen for a beat longer. That will mean getting into their stuff a little…
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 20, 2024
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 2:27 AM GMT+2
