The reigning NBA champions actually started the game fairly well, leading 9:2 at the outset. However, the home team responded with a massive 27-2 run, and from that point on, the game seemed out of reach. The team from Colorado continued to make mistakes, ending the first quarter trailing 31:14.
Things did not improve as the game progressed. The Nuggets’ shooting completely faltered, especially from three-point range, where they shot just 3 of 16. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves capitalized on their struggles, steadily increasing their lead minute by minute.
Things got even worse in the second half. Mike Malone’s team looked completely lost, while Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels played as if they were in a trance. The reigning champions shot under thirty percent. The Serbian center managed just one assist during this period, and the team appeared powerless.
The nadir of the disaster came in the final quarter. All the Denver Nuggets starters were pulled, as were the Timberwolves’ starters by coach Chris Finch. Minnesota’s bench players showed no mercy, going on a 24-2 run, and at one point, the lead was an astounding 50 points.
Nikola Jokic scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Aaron Gordon added 12 points, and Jamal Murray scored 10 points, shooting a dismal 1 of 10 from the field. Anthony Edwards scored 27 points, matched by McDaniels with 21 points.
The deciding Game 7 for who will advance to the Western Conference finals will take place on May 19, starting at 10 PM Central European Time.