The Timberwolves defeat the defending champion Nuggets

 The Timberwolves defeat the defending champion Nuggets

 

 The Timberwolves triumphed over the Nuggets on Sunday in Game 7 of their Western Conference semifinal. Staff writer Chris Hine reported updates from Ball Arena in Denver.

**9:30 p.m.: Wolves Secure Victory**

For twenty years, Game 7 of the 2004 second-round series where the Timberwolves defeated the Kings stood as the pinnacle of the franchise. Now, it finally has company. The Wolves marked the 20th anniversary of that victory with a 98-90 comeback win over the defending champion Nuggets in Game 7 at Ball Arena. This victory clinched the Western Conference semifinal series 4-3 and advanced the Timberwolves to the conference finals against Dallas, beginning Wednesday night at Target Center.

In a testament to their mental resilience, the Wolves, who were eliminated by the Nuggets in five games last season, rallied from a 20-point second-half deficit on the Nuggets’ home floor. The Timberwolves outscored Denver 60-37 in the second half.

**Significant Performances and Milestones**

Sunday night’s victory reshaped several personal legacies for the Wolves. Tim Connelly, the team’s president of basketball operations, faced criticism for trading for Rudy Gobert two summers ago. However, Connelly constructed a Wolves team that toppled his former team; he had previously been the Nuggets' general manager before moving to Minnesota.

Karl-Anthony Towns, who endured multiple losing seasons and playoff setbacks, rose to the occasion. Despite being labeled a potential liability due to foul troubles and emotional volatility, Towns excelled when Anthony Edwards struggled. Towns finished with 23 points, including a pivotal putback slam with 40.3 seconds remaining. Jaden McDaniels added 21 points, and Edwards had 16 points on 6-for-24 shooting while facing constant double teams.

Jamal Murray shone for Denver, scoring 35 points, while MVP Nikola Jokic added 34 points. However, no other Nugget reached double figures, and their bench contributed just five points.

**Game Highlights**

The series, characterized by several blowouts, culminated in a thrilling Game 7. The Wolves erased a 20-point third-quarter deficit to lead 77-72. Gobert provided crucial fourth-quarter offense, including a surprising bank shot and a high-arcing fadeaway.

A key moment occurred with 6:57 remaining when Towns picked up his fifth foul. Naz Reid substituted in and scored crucial points, including a block on Jokic and a putback slam off an Edwards miss, giving the Wolves an 89-82 lead. Mike Conley then stole the ball from Jamal Murray, setting up Edwards for a three-pointer that extended the lead to 92-82 with 3:05 to play. Gobert, who fouled out with 2:05 remaining, finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, eight of which came in the fourth quarter.

**Earlier in the Game**

**8:51 p.m.: Wolves Mount Comeback**

Trailing by as much as 20 points, the Wolves clawed back to make it a game entering the fourth quarter, trailing 67-66. Edwards struggled offensively, but his teammates rallied, including a 15-1 run fueled by three-pointers from McDaniels and Conley. The Wolves' defense tightened, holding Denver to 5-for-19 shooting in the third quarter.

**8:05 p.m.: Nuggets Control First Half**

Denver led 53-38 at halftime, with Murray scoring 22 points and Jokic grabbing 15 rebounds. The Wolves' offense struggled, particularly Edwards, who was double-teamed and limited to four points in the first half. Towns was the Wolves' standout, scoring 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting.

**7:29 p.m.: Nuggets Lead After First Quarter**

Both teams started cold, but Denver ended the first quarter with a 24-19 lead, thanks to Murray’s 13 points. The Wolves spread their scoring, with Towns scoring six points and staying out of foul trouble.

**Pre-Game and Context**

**5:47 p.m.: Confidence and Preparations**

Despite past victories at Ball Arena, Edwards emphasized confidence based on the team's quality rather than previous games. Coach Chris Finch described the season as a step forward regardless of the Game 7 outcome. Point guard Mike Conley, despite being questionable due to a strain, started the game.

**Referees and Fines**

Rudy Gobert, fined previously for gestures towards referee Scott Foster, faced Foster again, who led the officiating crew for Game 7.