Basketball

They were built to beat us – Nikola Jokic after series loss against Minnesota Timberwolves

The defending champions Denver Nuggets were knocked out as they lost the seventh game of the Western Conference semifinals against Minnesota Timberwolves by 98-90 on Sunday. The Nuggets were in a shoo-in position while leading by 20 points (58-38) but the Timberwolves bounced back in the third quarter.

It was the largest blown lead in a Game 7 in the past 25 years. The team’s head coach Michael Malone was visibly upset in the press conference as it was a difficult pill to swallow.

“The season’s over,” a frustrated Michael Malone said in his news conference. “That’s what’s hard,” Malone said when asked about what went wrong. “F— being up 20. The season’s over. It’s hard.”

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic finished with 34 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists but missed 8 of 10 from behind the arc. Furthermore, Murray scored 24 of his 35 points in the first half but shot just 4-for-12 from 3-point range.

Jokic had a hard time against the trio of Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid whereas Anthony Edwards scored 16 points. Towns and Jaden McDaniels top-scored for the Wolves with 23 points each.

“I mean, I think they’re built to beat us,” Jokic said. “Just look at their roster. They have basically two All-Stars, two probably first-team defensive players. Mike Conley is the most underrated player in the NBA, probably.

“From the bench, they have a Sixth Man of the Year. … [They are] one team that they can do literally everything. They can be big, small.”

Murray admitted they should have won as they were leading by a comprehensive margin but they didn’t grab their chances and it led to their downfall.

“Just mentally and physically, conjuring up the energy to fight like you’re being hunted,” Murray said. “I think that’s the emotion. When you’re the hunter, you have so much more motivation and you grasp on to anything to prove everybody wrong and you have a constant chip on your shoulder.

“I don’t know. … I feel like we should have won tonight. That’s the tough part. They beat us, but we had so many great opportunities, including myself, so it’s just tough, man.”

Minnesota Timberwolves will take on Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Young Shuttlers Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda Storm Into Taipei Open Quarterfinals

India's emerging badminton stars Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda continued their impressive runs at the… Read More

May 9, 2025

IPL 2025 Faces Suspension Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on the brink of suspension… Read More

May 9, 2025

Lalrindika Replaces Yadwad in India’s Provisional Squad for June Internationals

Edmund Lalrindika has been called up to replace the medically sidelined Irfan Yadwad in India’s… Read More

May 9, 2025

Ange Postecoglou slams critics, says people ‘fear’ Spurs might win Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has lashed out at the club’s critics after they… Read More

May 9, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz gives injury update ahead of Italian Open

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he is good to go at the Italian Open and… Read More

May 9, 2025

Man City forward Erling Haaland blames lack of ‘hunger’ for poor season

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland feels the lack of hunger led to their poor season.… Read More

May 9, 2025