Picture credit: GiveMeSport
Anthony Edwards took center stage with 27 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves shook off their mid-series slump, delivering a commanding 115-70 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. This impressive win has forced a decisive Game 7 in their playoff series.
The 45-point victory is historic, marking the largest margin ever achieved against a defending champion in the playoffs and the second-largest victory margin in an elimination game in NBA history, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
At one point, Denver was down by an astonishing 50 points, the largest deficit they’ve faced in any game over the past 25 seasons, covering both regular season and playoffs.
Jaden McDaniels played a significant role in the Timberwolves’ dominance, scoring 21 points and providing stout defense. Meanwhile, Mike Conley made a notable return from injury, contributing 13 points and energizing the team.
The Timberwolves’ frontcourt trio of Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Naz Reid combined for an impressive 38 rebounds. Their defensive efforts effectively limited NBA MVP Nikola Jokic to a modest 22 points throughout the game.
After the game, Anthony Edwards addressed the media, crediting the team’s turnaround in Game 6 largely to the return of veteran point guard Mike Conley. When asked what sparked their remarkable performance, Edwards was straightforward: “We got Mike Conley back. That was it.”
Conley, who had missed the previous two games due to injury, provided the Timberwolves with the boost they needed. His leadership and playmaking were evident, significantly lifting the team’s overall performance and setting the stage for a thrilling Game 7.
