yahoo sports staff
This Game 7 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets could be an all-timer. Not only is it the deciding game in a hotly contested series between two incredibly talented teams, the storylines surrounding this matchup have made it even more compelling.
The Nuggets are a machine. This is the sixth consecutive year they've made it to the playoffs, and they're the defending champions. The duo of Jamal Murray and three-time MVP Nikola Jokić is borderline unstoppable. As a franchise they're 4-3 in Game 7's, but this core group of players is 3-1. They've got the experience and the talent.
But don't look now, the Timberwolves are coming. They've made the playoff three years in a row. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns are coming into their own. The vibes are impeccable. They've even made Rudy Gobert likable!
That alone might not be enough for them to overcome the Nuggets, but the Timberwolves have one other thing on their side for Game 7: history. Sunday is the 20th anniversary of Minnesota's 83-80 Game 7 win over the Sacramento Kings in the second round, in which birthday boy Kevin Garnett scored 32 points with 21 rebounds, five blocks, and four steals.
Will a Timberwolves player turn in a KG-esque performance that will lift them over the Nuggets? Or will the experience of Jokić and Co. end Minnesota's run? Follow all the Game 7 action below.
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER32 updates
Yahoo Sports Staff
Wolves win 98-90. There wasn't even any drama, and Ant didn't even play well
Yahoo Sports Staff
And that's it. Minnesota will win Game 7 on the road. Wow.
Vincent Goodwill
Rudy’s out, Karl has 5 fouls and the champs had better go through the MVP if they want any chance of pulling this off.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Minny up 10 with 2:40 left. The kids are all right.
Yahoo Sports Staff
It is 85-82 Wolves with 4:30 left. Yowza.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Minny has to trust Rudy in the short roll. I know it’s impossible to consider but that’s what Denver will give up. Every now and then hit him.
— Mike Cyprien (@CoachCyp_NOLA) May 20, 2024
Vincent Goodwill
The Wolves are in the bonus for the next 8:23 … and up 77-72.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Who had Rudy Gobert giving the Wolves their first lead of the game?
Yahoo Sports Staff
Nuggets lead 67-66 after three quarters. We've got a game.
Vincent Goodwill
Before that Jokic bucket it was a 21-3 run by the Wolves
Yahoo Sports Staff
Nuggets have 8 points this quarter. Yikes.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) May 20, 2024
Yahoo Sports Staff
The Nuggets' lead is now down to 4 as they cannot make a shot! 19-3 run!
Vincent Goodwill
Could Ant be getting started?
FINALLY! Ant gets in the open floor, gets a layup for his second bucket of the night.
Vincent Goodwill
Wolves in trouble
The lead is 20 in the opening minutes of the second half. If the Wolves have any composure, it better show up soon.
Yahoo Sports Staff
The Denver Nuggets have a comfortable 15 point lead entering the half 👀 pic.twitter.com/LskQdnAsTk
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 20, 2024
Yahoo Sports Staff
Murray closes out the half with 24 points! 🔥
Denver takes a 15-point lead 🍿 pic.twitter.com/3Whn4Iep3N
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 20, 2024
Yahoo Sports Staff
If you looked at Christian Braun's box score right now (3 pts/2 rebs/2 asts/1 blk in 11 mins), you'd completely miss the impact he's had on this game.
Great defense, effort, and physicality. You can tell this isn't his first rodeo when it comes to big games.
— Mat Issa (@matissa15) May 20, 2024
Vincent Goodwill
Nuggets take lead into the half
A weird series gets weirder in a Game 7, as expected. 53-38 at the half. Jamal Murray with 24, Ant 1-of-7 for 4 points. You couldn’t script it any better for the champs.
Vincent Goodwill
Towns doing work
Karl Towns, literally keeping this game from being a blowout. 13 of the Wolves' 38 points. They trail by 10.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Anthony Edwards: 2 points
Jamal Murray: 20 points— Michael Pina (@MichaelVPina) May 20, 2024