Edwards leads Wolves back from 20-point deficit for 98-90 win over defending NBA champion Nuggets

DENVER – Anthony Edwards emerged from a sluggish start as the Timberwolves staged a stunning comeback from a 20-point deficit in the second half, sealing their victory over the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, with a 98-90 triumph in a Game 7 showdown hailed as a Minnesota masterpiece on Sunday night.

The Timberwolves, trailing by 15 points at halftime, orchestrated the largest comeback in NBA playoff history for a Game 7, spearheaded by Edwards. Despite a modest first half performance of just four points, no rebounds, and three assists, Edwards ignited in the second half, ultimately tallying 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. His influence transcended his shooting struggles, shooting 6-of-24 from the field, including a 2-for-10 performance from beyond the arc.

Reflecting on his performance, Edwards acknowledged the challenges he faced in finding his rhythm, attributing the victory to trust in his teammates and making pivotal plays throughout the game. He credited his teammates for stepping up and making crucial shots when it mattered the most.

As the game unfolded, Edwards showcased his defensive prowess, repeatedly thwarting Jamal Murray, who had amassed 24 points by halftime and concluded with 35 points.

In a post-game reflection, Edwards emphasized his multifaceted skill set, asserting his ability to impact the game beyond scoring, particularly in defensive matchups. His lockdown defense on Murray in the pivotal moments of the game was instrumental in turning the tide in favor of the Timberwolves.

With victory in sight, Edwards seized the moment, acknowledging the defeated home crowd at Ball Arena as he dribbled the ball up the court, bidding farewell to their championship aspirations.

The Timberwolves, buoyed by standout performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels, clinched a berth in the Western Conference finals for the first time in two decades. They are set to face the Dallas Mavericks in their upcoming series.

Rudy Gobert, the Wolves’ center, expressed jubilation at defeating a formidable opponent like the Nuggets, highlighting the significance of their accomplishment.

The Nuggets, propelled by Murray’s stellar start, had established a commanding halftime lead of 53-38. However, the Timberwolves rallied behind their staunch defense, staging a remarkable comeback to narrow the gap heading into the fourth quarter.

Naz Reid, named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, played a pivotal role off the bench, contributing crucial plays on both ends of the floor to maintain Minnesota’s lead down the stretch.

Despite Murray and Nikola Jokic’s impressive performances for the Nuggets, their efforts were not enough to secure victory as they received limited support from their teammates.

The defeat marked a bitter end for the Nuggets, who had aspirations of defending their championship title. Coach Michael Malone acknowledged the Timberwolves’ resilience and lamented their inability to advance to the conference finals.

Looking ahead, Murray expressed determination to bounce back from defeat, embracing the challenge of reclaiming their status as contenders.

As the dust settles on this thrilling series, both teams are left to ponder their futures, with the Timberwolves relishing their triumph and the Nuggets grappling with disappointment, yet fueled by the desire for redemption in the seasons to come.