T’Wolves Make NBA History with Thrilling Game 7 Comeback Against Nuggets

Game 7. These two words are synonymous with making history in sports, especially in the NBA playoffs.

This scenario unfolded once again when the Minnesota Timberwolves did the unthinkable on Sunday night against the reigning champs, the Denver Nuggets, on their home court, no less.

After a brutal first half left them facing a double-digit deficit, the Timberwolves roared back in the second half, delivering an unforgettable performance on both ends of the court to defeat Denver 98-90. This remarkable comeback propelled them to their first conference finals since 2004, when Kevin Garnett was the franchise star.

Minnesota's Historic Turnaround

Rough first half followed by strong second half for Timberwolves

The Nuggets asserted their dominance for much of the first half, gaining control after trailing 12-5 halfway through the first quarter. They surged ahead, outscoring the Wolves 19-7 to end the period with a 24-19 lead.

Maintaining their momentum into the second quarter, Denver limited Minnesota to just 19 points while building a formidable lead, stretching it to as much as 20 points. They entered halftime with a commanding 53-38 advantage.

With Anthony Edwards struggling and the Wolves grappling to contain Denver's rebounding prowess, the Nuggets seemed poised to return to the West Finals for a consecutive year.

However, the dynamics shifted dramatically in the second half.

Denver's shooting faltered in the third quarter, as they managed to convert only five of 19 attempts from the field. Seizing the opportunity, Minnesota, led by Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, mounted a spirited comeback, trimming the deficit to just one by the end of the period.

The Timberwolves' offensive resurgence continued in the fourth quarter, as they outscored the Nuggets 32-23. Crucial contributions from Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid down the stretch propelled them to victory, despite the formidable performances of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, who combined for 69 points.

In the end, the Timberwolves completed a remarkable comeback, clinching a thrilling seven-game series against the defending champions. Remarkably, according to StatMuse, they became the first and only team in NBA history to win a Game 7 after trailing by 15 or more points at halftime.

The first team to win a Game 7 when trailing by 15+ points at halftime in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/5sn4K19sMy

— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 20, 2024

Towns showcased his versatility with a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds, despite grappling with foul trouble throughout the game. McDaniels emerged as a significant contributor, tallying 23 points and six rebounds on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting from the field.

Despite a challenging start to the game, Edwards rallied in the second half and delivered crucial plays, concluding with 16 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Gobert chipped in with 13 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, while Reid made valuable contributions off the bench with 11 points.