Minnesota Timberwolves obliterated the defending champions Denver Nuggets by 115-70 on Thursday night to level the Western Conference semifinals by 3-3. The Wolves took a 17-point lead after the first quarter and then thrashed the Nuggets by 29-9 in the final frame.
The 45-point margin of victory was the second largest in NBA history by a team facing elimination in a postseason game.
“I think we shouldn’t [forget about this loss],” Nuggets star Nikola Jokic said. “I think we need to [let it] sink in. It’s a great loss. They destroyed us, and you should learn from it.”
Nikola Jokic could only score 22 points and two assists whereas the Wolves restricted Jamal Murray to 10 points on 4-for-18 shooting.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards top-scored for the Wolves with 27 points. He also added four rebounds and as many assists. Edwards said he wants to be the best player on both sides of the court.
“I want to be the best player on both sides of the ball in the NBA,” Edwards said. “It’s something that I’ve been working on. It all comes with being in shape. … I wasn’t tired at all chasing him around and following him everywhere he went and contesting all his shots. He’s a great player, man, and I feel like I did a good job tonight.”
Despite registering a comprehensive win, Edwards admitted they will have their work cut out in the series-deciding game while playing on the road.
“They’re the defending champs, so it’s going to be super tough,” Edwards said. “They’re at home. They’re at the crib. Their fans are crazy. It’s going to be super loud. But I feel like as a competitor, it’s one of the best feelings in the world. … I’m super pumped for it. I’m super happy. I’m ready to play it.”
“It’s all about the mindset now,” Murray said. “All that’s behind us, all those games we’re talking about [are] all behind us. Now it’s just Sunday, who wins those 48 minutes and how are we going to do that.”
The seventh and final of the series will be played on Sunday.
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