The Timberwolves accomplished the upset. They defeated Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets in Recreation 6 110-98, with out Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosumnu, and Kyle Anderson, to win the collection 4-2. They’ll face the Spurs on Monday within the first recreation of the Western Convention Semifinals.
The Timberwolves had an up-and-down season however had ample playoff expertise heading into the postseason after two consecutive Convention Finals appearances. In that manner, they weren’t a typical six-seed, however they had been nonetheless thought-about an underdog towards the Nuggets. Surprisingly, they went up 3-1 within the collection, however they misplaced DiVincenzo for the remainder of the season with an Achilles tear and had been with out Edwards, their celebrity, who suffered a knee harm that might hold him out for weeks. As soon as Denver compelled Recreation 6, it appeared just like the third seed might mount a comeback regardless of having two main absences of their very own in Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.
The Wolves had different plans. In an in depth, heated recreation in Minnesota, they held on to beat the Nuggets 110-98 and advance to the Semifinals, the place the Spurs can be ready. Jaden McDaniels, who made controversial statements to the media, delivered within the clincher, ending with 32 factors and 10 rebounds, whereas Terrance Shannon Jr. had 24 factors in his first playoff begin. Jokic had 28 factors, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists on the shedding effort.
The Spurs misplaced to the Nuggets within the final recreation of the common season, which allowed Denver to be on their facet of the bracket as a substitute of Oklahoma Metropolis’s. On the time, it appeared like a missed alternative to set themselves up for a neater path to the Convention Finals, however an impressed Rudy Gobert did an awesome job on Jokic on protection, McDaniels and Dosunmu had a incredible collection, and Minnesota got here out on prime, taking out one of many favorites to win the title.
Whereas going through a shorthanded Timberwolves workforce might be seen as a fortunate break for the Spurs, it received’t be a simple matchup. Minnesota received the season collection 2-1 and has a large expertise benefit. They’re clearly lacking lots of firepower with DiVincenzo and Edwards out, however they’re a tricky workforce with a next-man-up mentality that makes them harmful even whereas shorthanded, plus there’s an opportunity Edwards might return in some unspecified time in the future within the second spherical. San Antonio must be favored to advance, however they must be able to struggle for each win.
The Lakers lead the Rockets 3-2 within the different first-round collection, which can decide who faces the Thunder within the different Semifinal.
Recreation 1 of the Western Convention Semifinals between the Spurs and Timberwolves can be performed on Monday, Could 4.
