(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The defending NBA champion’s pursuit of consecutive titles has officially come to an end.
For the second time in franchise history, the Minnesota Timberwolves are moving on to the Western Conference Finals.
They had to battle for this, though, as the Denver Nuggets won three in a row after falling 0-2 before they won the final two games in a convincing fashion to claim one of the most exciting seven-game series in recent NBA history.
And while this was clearly a big blow to the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic was still a class act about it.
When asked whether the Timberwolves and Nuggets were a rivalry, the defending NBA Finals MVP agreed with that distinction.
He stated that the Timberwolves were actually built to beat them, adding that they have two All-Stars, two All-Defensive players, and perhaps the most underrated player in the league in Mike Conley (via Michael Scotto).
Nikola Jokic on whether the Timberwolves and Nuggets are rivals: “Yes. I think they’re built to beat us. They have basically two All-Stars, two All-Defensive First Team players, and Mike Conley, who’s the most underrated player in the NBA probably. I love the guy. He’s so good.” pic.twitter.com/wYy1igCUix
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 20, 2024
Jokic was quite respectful and gave the Timberwolves their flowers.
The Timberwolves fought hard, and even though it seemed like Mike Malone’s team was back in control of the series, they made sure to go back to what worked for them.
Even with Anthony Edwards not having his best shooting night, the Timberwolves rallied together behind their stout defense, and they’re now in for an epic series vs. Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the Dallas Mavericks.
Anything can happen at this point, but this team might finally get over the hump and make it to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
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