Inside the NBA Reacts To Timberwolves Stunning Game 7 Win To Eliminate The Nuggets | NBA on TNT
Summary
TLDRThe Minnesota Timberwolves, for the first time since 2004, have reached the Western Conference Finals, defeating the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling Game 7. The Timberwolves showcased a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 20-point deficit in the third quarter, thanks to key performances from players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Anthony Edwards. The team's defensive resilience and collective effort were pivotal in their victory. The game highlighted Minnesota's ability to rise to the occasion, setting the stage for their upcoming matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.
Takeaways
- 🏀 Minnesota Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004.
- 💪 The Timberwolves' young team takes a significant step forward in their development.
- 🏆 The Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 to advance.
- 😲 Minnesota came back from a 20-point deficit to win the game.
- 🔄 Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets started strong but couldn't maintain their lead.
- 💼 Coach Chris Finch praised the team's defense and adjustments in the second half.
- 🔒 Minnesota's defense held Denver to 37 points in the second half, a crucial factor in their victory.
- 🌟 Key players for the Timberwolves included Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels.
- 🎯 Mike Conley hit several timely three-pointers to help secure the win.
- 👏 The Timberwolves' win was characterized by a strong team effort, particularly in rebounding and second-chance points.
Q & A
Who did the speakers initially pick to win the game?
-The speakers picked the Minnesota Timberwolves to win the game.
What significant achievement did the Minnesota Timberwolves reach?
-The Minnesota Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004.
What was the key factor in Minnesota's victory according to the speakers?
-The key factor was Minnesota's strong defensive effort and execution of their game plan.
What did Kenny mention about building habits in losing?
-Kenny mentioned that sometimes teams can build great habits even in losing situations, which was relevant to Minnesota's decision to play big.
How did Denver perform in the first half according to the speakers?
-Denver came out strong, with Jamal Murray carrying the team and building a significant lead over Minnesota.
What was the turning point in the game for Minnesota?
-The turning point was Minnesota's 28 to 9 run to close out the third quarter, significantly reducing Denver's lead.
What was the performance of Karl-Anthony Towns in the game?
-Karl-Anthony Towns had 23 points and 12 rebounds on 8 of 14 shooting, contributing significantly to the team's win.
What was Chris Finch's strategy adjustment in the second half?
-Chris Finch simplified the offense and focused on moving the ball, which helped the team regain control of the game.
What was the final score of the game?
-The final score was 98 to 90 in favor of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What challenge did Denver face in the second half?
-Denver struggled with fouls and a lack of production from players other than their top scorers, which contributed to their loss.
Outlines
🎉 Minnesota Timberwolves' Historic Win
The Minnesota Timberwolves are headed to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004, a milestone for the team and the city of Minneapolis. The commentary highlights the growth and resilience of the young team, drawing parallels to past experiences of building great habits even in the face of losing. The discussion touches on the team's ability to play big, their decision-making, and the importance of taking critical steps forward.
🏀 Key Players Shine in Game Seven
In Game Seven, the Timberwolves' key players, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, delivered impressive performances. The team showed resilience, overcoming a significant deficit with strong defensive efforts and clutch plays. The commentary emphasizes the importance of team effort, highlighting contributions from various players, including Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels. Coach Chris Finch praises the team's ability to simplify their offense and execute the game plan effectively.
🤝 Team Effort Seals Victory
The Timberwolves' victory was a result of a collective team effort, particularly in the second half where they out-rebounded and outscored the Nuggets. The discussion underscores the significance of team contributions when star players struggle, noting the pivotal roles played by Conley, Gobert, and others. The analysis points out the strategic fouls committed by the Nuggets, which led to numerous free throws for Minnesota, ultimately contributing to their win.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Minnesota Timberwolves
💡Western Conference Finals
💡Game Seven
💡Anthony Edwards
💡Nikola Jokić
💡Team Effort
💡Chris Finch
💡Defensive Effort
💡Rebounding
💡Jamal Murray
Highlights
Minnesota Timberwolves heading to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004.
Minnesota Timberwolves' young team takes a significant step forward.
Discussion on the importance of building good habits even in losing seasons.
Jamal Murray's impressive performance for Denver in the first half.
Rudy Gobert's critical defensive and offensive efforts in the second half.
Minnesota's comeback from a 20-point deficit in the third quarter.
Key contributions from multiple Timberwolves players, highlighting a team effort.
Anthony Edwards' significant impact despite not being the focal point of the offense.
Minnesota's strong rebounding and second-chance points in the second half.
Minnesota's defensive prowess, holding Denver to 37 points in the second half.
Chris Finch's strategic adjustments and simplification of the offense in the second half.
Minnesota's ability to perform well under pressure in Game Seven.
The significance of fan support for the Timberwolves in both Phoenix and Denver.
Minnesota's victory being a microcosm of the series, showcasing resilience and teamwork.
Minnesota's defensive assignments and execution leading to their success.
Carl Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels' standout performances.
Denver's offensive struggles and Minnesota's defensive dominance.
Minnesota beating the reigning champions on their home floor three times in the series.
The impact of early fouls committed by Denver in the third quarter.
Lack of scoring support for Denver beyond their two primary scorers.
Minnesota Timberwolves advancing to face the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.
Denver's inability to score 100 points in any of their losses to Minnesota.
Transcripts
.
>> I AM TAKING THE MINNESOTA
TIMBERWOLVES. KENNY I'M
GOING WITH THE WOLVES.
GARETH OH! OH
>> THAT'S. THAT'S WHAT
AMERICA DOES, LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN. BUT THE CHUCKSTER
NAILED THIS ONE. MINNESOTA
TIMBERWOLVES FOR THE FIRST
TIME SINCE 2004. WOW HEADED
TO THE WESTERN CONFERENCE
FINALS. CONGRATULATIONS TO,
TO THE TIMBERWOLVES. TO THE
CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS. MAN.
THAT'S. YEAH, THIS IS
SOMETHING FOR A YOUNG TEAM
TO TAKE THAT STEP. AND IT'S
ALMOST IT'S ALMOST KENNY,
LIKE YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT
BEFORE WHEN YOU TALKED ABOUT
PLAYING WITH HOUSTON. YOU
WEREN'T READY TO TAKE A STEP
FOR A WHILE. AND NOW. NOW
YOU TAKE THAT STEP. STEP
WITH MINNESOTA.
>> YEAH. SOMETIME YOU COULD
BUILD GREAT HABITS AND
LOSING. AND, YOU KNOW,
MINNESOTA, YOU KNOW, RIGHT
NOW THEY THEY HAD TO MAKE A
DECISION. CAN THEY PLAY BIG.
YOU KNOW YOU KNOW CAN. AND
THAT WAS THE THAT'S THE THAT
WAS THE BIGGEST QUESTION
COMING INTO THE SEASON.
WHAT.
>> SO THAT WASN'T THE
CONTEXT YOU WAS USING THAT.
NO. BUT YOU THOUGHT YOU WAS
GOING TO LOSE AND BE READY
NEXT YEAR. THAT'S WHAT YOU
MEANT. NO I SAID YOU MEANT
Y'ALL.
>> I PICKED MINNESOTA TO WIN
THIS GAME.
>> I KNOW THAT AFTER I
PICKED HIM. BUT I'M SAYING,
YOU KNOW, AFTER YOU, YOU
THOUGHT YOU CHEATING OFF HIS
BACK. YOU THOUGHT Y'ALL YOU
THOUGHT THEY WERE GONNA. YOU
THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO
LOSE AND WIN NEXT YEAR.
>> NO, THEY WERE GOING TO
WIN. I FELT THEY WERE GOING
TO WIN. AND BUT I SAID IF
THEY LOST, IT'S STILL THEY
CAN BUILD.
>> THAT'S WHAT GOOD HABITS.
THAT'S WHAT YOU MEANT
LOSING. THAT'S WHAT YOU
MEANT BECAUSE YOU WOULDN'T
STOP TRYING TO TAKE CREDIT
FOR SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T DO.
STOP LYING. DON'T LIE ON TV.
>> I'M SORRY I EVEN BROUGHT
IT UP.
>> STOP LYING. YOU'RE NOT.
>> YOU WERE SPEAKING OVER
YOUR HEAD RIGHT NOW.
>> I'M SORRY ABOUT THAT.
>> LET'S PICK IT OVER YOUR
HEAD RIGHT NOW.
>> HERE'S GAME ONE OF THE
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS.
AS WE TAKE THE SHOW ON THE
ROAD TO TARGET CENTER ON
WEDNESDAY, THEY HIT THE AIR
AT 730. OUR PREGAME SHOW.
AND THEN THE MAVS AND
TIMBERWOLVES WILL PLAY GAME
ONE. NOW TO THE HIGHLIGHTS
OF GAME SEVEN. NUMBER 151 IN
NBA HISTORY. IN THE HOME
TEAM WINNING 75% OF THE
TIME. BUT EXCEPT AFTER WELL
THAT GOES DOWN TO SEVEN AND
FOUR AFTER THE AFTER THE
BUBBLE.
>> AFTER THE BUBBLE, IT'S
BEEN SEVEN AND FOUR, ERNIE
KNOW AND EIGHT AND FOUR
AFTER THIS GAME.
>> EIGHT AND FOUR TONIGHT.
>> JAMAL MURRAY CAME OUT
SMOKING.
>> YEAH DENVER CAME OUT
SMOKING AND MURRAY WAS
CARRYING THEM AS THEY BUILD
THE LEAD OVER MINNESOTA.
>> SURPRISING DENVER BUILT
THIS. OH GIVE ME THAT CHANCE
AND JUST WATCHED IT
EVAPORATE LIKE THAT.
>> SURPRISING YOU KNOW YOU
KNOW IT WAS IT WAS SHOCKING
AT ONE TIME THEY MISSED LIKE
TEN SHOTS IN A ROW.
>> IT WAS CRAZY.
>> THAT'S COMING UP IN THE
THIRD QUARTER. LOOK AT
MURRAY HERE. THE LEAD IS
DOUBLE DIGITS. JOKER
>> GET OFF ME, LITTLE MAN.
>> OKAY. YEAH, BUT IN THE
SECOND HALF YOU GOT TO SHOUT
OUT RUDY BECAUSE HE STUCK TO
IT. HAD A GREAT DEFENSIVE
EFFORT AND OFFENSIVE EFFORT.
CORRECT MURRAY.
>> LITTLE FLOATER 5338. THAT
WAS YOUR HALFTIME SCORE 15
POINT LEAD. AND THEN THEY
COME RIGHT OUT AND MURRAY
HITS A THREE. AND THIS LEAD
IS 2058 TO 38. OH IT'S A
DUB.
>> IT'S OVER.
>> AND THEN THE BOTTOM FALLS
OUT A 21 TO 3 RUN CARLLIE
PULLED HIM WITHIN TWO. OH
CONLEY HIT BIG I MEAN
THERE'S A LOT OF CREDIT TO
GO AROUND.
>> THERE'S A LOT OF CREDIT
TO GO AROUND, BUT THE MOST
CREDIT IS DEFENSIVELY.
>> WHEN YOU HOLD A CHAMP TO
37 POINTS IN THE SECOND HALF
ERNIE YOU'VE DONE IT. YOU'VE
FOLLOWED YOUR DEFENSIVE
ASSIGNMENTS. YOU CREATED
OPPORTUNITIES AND YOU MADE
BASKETS OUT OF THEM.
>> EDWARDS WITH THE STEAL
AND THE AND THE THROW DOWN.
AND THEN OH THEY WOKE HIM UP
FOR THREE.
>> HEY HE'S A FULL BLOWN
AWAKE RIGHT NOW. HE'S UP
FROM THAT NAP.
>> 28 TO 9 WAS THE RUN TO
CLOSE OUT THE THIRD QUARTER.
CONLEY AGAIN. IT WAS A THREE
POINT LEAD. I THINK IT WAS
JOKER.
>> YOU GOT TO WONDER.
>> FIVE CUTS TO TWO. YOU GOT
TO WONDER IF JOKER GOT TIRED
BECAUSE HE MISSED HIS FIRST
EIGHT.
>> HE BREATHE.
>> HE SAT FOR RUDY. HE SAT
FOR ABOUT A MINUTE AND A
HALF TONIGHT. HOW ABOUT THAT
BY GOBERT RUDY I STILL THINK
HE GOT TIRED.
>> THAT'S THE FIRST THREE HE
MADE AFTER MISSING THE FIRST
EIGHT.
>> JOKER AGAIN THEY'RE
KEEPING A MINUTE 8178. WATCH
NAZ REID GO GET THAT.
>> HE PLAYED HUGE MINUTES.
HE PLAYED GREAT IN FOUL
TROUBLE.
>> GIVE ME THAT CANDY. GIVE
ME THAT.
>> OH.
>> VISION THERE BY REID TO
FIND THE OPEN ANT-MAN FOR
THREE. AND THEN KARL ANTHONY
TOWNS WHO WAS AMAZING ALL
NIGHT TONIGHT. TOWNS WITH 23
AND 12 ON THE NIGHT ON EIGHT
OF 14 SHOOTING. I'M GOING TO
GET INTO SOME OF THE SECOND
HALF NUMBERS IN JUST DANIELS
MAN, THAT WAS THE QUIETEST
23 POINTS I'VE SEEN IN A
LONG TIME. FIRST TIME HE'S
HAD BACK TO BACK 20 POINT
GAMES IN HIS CAREER.
>> YEAH.
>> BUT YOU KNOW WE'RE
TALKING ABOUT KARL-ANTHONY
TOWNS AND RUDY GOBERT AND
EVERYBODY. BUT THE ONLY
PERSON MISSING HIM WAS
ANTHONY.
>> YEAH. AND SO 23 FOR JADEN
MCDANIELS 98 TO 90 WIN FOR
MINNESOTA CHRIS FINCH.
>> CHRIS YOU'RE DOWN 20 ON
THE ROAD IN GAME SEVEN TO
THE DEFENDING CHAMPS. YEAH
LIKE WHAT. JUST WHAT DID YOU
SEE FROM YOUR GUYS THAT WERE
ALLOWED TO PULL THIS THING
OUT I MEAN THE EFFORT WAS
THERE.
>> YOU KNOW WE JUST HAD TO.
>> OUR OFFENSE KIND OF WENT
SIDEWAYS IN THE FIRST HALF,
AND THEY REALLY UPPED THEIR
DEFENSE. THEY WERE VERY
PHYSICAL, AND WE JUST TALKED
ABOUT, YOU KNOW, KIND OF
GETTING BACK TO SIMPLIFYING
OUR OFFENSE, IF YOU WILL.
THOUGHT I THOUGHT WE WERE
TRYING TO OVER ORCHESTRATE
MATCHUPS AND MISMATCHES AND
ALL THIS OTHER STUFF AND
KIND OF PLAYED RIGHT INTO
THEIR HANDS, SO WE JUST HAD
TO GET BACK TO KIND OF
MOVING THE BALL. WE DIDN'T
SHOOT THE BALL PARTICULARLY
WELL. TYPICAL GAME SEVEN IN
THAT REGARD, BUT YOU KNOW,
EVEN WHEN WE WERE, YOU KNOW,
DOWN LIKE I WAS KEPT LOOKING
AT THE FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
AND WE WERE IN THE 40S. IN
THE 30S, OUR DEFENSE WAS
THERE, AND THEN IT WENT TO A
SPECIAL PLACE IN THE THIRD
QUARTER, YOU KNOW, WHERE
WHERE WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO
TAKE IT AT TIMES, AND, YOU
KNOW, JUST EVERYBODY JUST
KIND OF, YOU KNOW, BUCKING
UP AND MAKING PLAYS AND,
EXECUTING THE GAME PLAN. SO,
YEAH.
>> WAS THE MOMENT, LIKE, FOR
YOU AT THE END OF THE GAME,
YOU GOT UP HUNDREDS OF
WOLVES FANS CHEERING FOR
YOU. YEAH. JUST YOU CLOSED
IT OUT. WHAT'S IT FEEL LIKE.
YEAH.
>> FIRST OF ALL I LOVE TO
REALLY LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU
TO OUR ROAD SUPPORT BOTH IN
PHOENIX AND HERE. IT'S BEEN
A TON OF WOLVES FANS IN THE
BUILDING. IT'S BEEN GREAT. I
KNOW THAT THEY'RE ENJOYING
THE RIDE AND WE REALLY
APPRECIATE THEIR SUPPORT,
YOU KNOW, SPECIAL MOMENT.
MAN. THIS IS A HELL OF A
TEAM, WITH THE BEST PLAYER
ON THE PLANET AND THE SERIES
WAS WILD. AND THIS GAME WAS
JUST A MICROCOSM OF THE
ENTIRE SERIES. YOU KNOW,
TEAMS GETTING A BIG HANDLE
ON EACH OTHER AND JUST, YOU
KNOW, TRYING TO FIGHT
THROUGH IT. SO
>> SO SECOND HALF, REMEMBER
AT HALFTIME WE TALKED ABOUT
BOY LOOK WHAT DENVER IS
DOING ON THE BOARDS. LOOK AT
THE OFFENSIVE BOARDS. LOOK
AT THE SECOND CHANCE POINTS.
AND THEN IN THE SECOND HALF
29 TO 15 REBOUNDS FOR
MINNESOTA 8 TO 3 ON THE
OFFENSIVE GLASS 12 TO 2.
SECOND CHANCE POINTS. AND
YOU PUT IT ALL TOGETHER. AND
THAT THIRD QUARTER WHERE
EVERYTHING CAME TOGETHER AND
THEY OUTSCORED THEM 28 TO
14.
>> AND I THINK YOU HIT A 10'
THE TERM TEAM EFFORT. YEAH
THAT WAS A TEAM EFFORT. YEAH
I MEAN THIS IS ONE OF THE
BEST TEAMS WHEN YOU WHEN
YOUR BEST PLAYER IS
STRUGGLING, YOU TALK ABOUT
JADEN. YOU TALK ABOUT KARL.
YOU TALK ABOUT RUDY. MIKE
CONLEY HIT A COUPLE OF
TIMELY THREES. NNAJI. REED
WAS SPECTACULAR. TONIGHT WAS
A TOTAL TEAM EFFORT. YOU GOT
TO TAKE YOUR HAT OFF TO
THOSE GUYS WHEN THEY MAN WAS
STRUGGLING. THEY ALL PLAYED
A GREAT, GREAT TEAM EFFORT
AND A GREAT WIN FOR THAT
ORGANIZATION.
>> CAIN TO GO INTO THAT GYM
AND BEAT THE REIGNING
CHAMPIONS THREE TIMES IN THE
SERIES. VINCE I'M SURE
COMING OUT TODAY IN GAME
SEVEN, THEY FELT THAT THEY
COULD WIN ON THE ROAD
BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY'VE DONE
BEFORE.
>> IT'S PROVEN WE'VE DONE IT
BEFORE. WE'VE BEEN HERE. WE
KNOW WHAT IT TAKES. A LOT OF
THEM HAVEN'T BEEN IN THAT
POSITION, BUT AT THE SAME
TIME, YOU CAN SEE THEY OOZE
THE CONFIDENCE, INDIVIDUALLY
AND AS A TEAM LIKE, LIKE
CHUCK SAID, THEY THEY WAS A
TEAM EFFORT. AND WHEN YOU'RE
A SUPERSTAR PLAYER AND
YOU'RE GETTING DOUBLED AND
YOU CAN GET OFF THE BALL AND
TRUST AND SEE OTHER GUYS
MAKE PLAYS TO KENNY'S POINT,
PULL YOU ALONG. THAT'S
CONFIDENCE BUILDER GOING
INTO THE NEXT ROUND AGAINST
ANYTHING WE'VE NOW CAN
HANDLE ANY SITUATION AND WIN
.
>> WELL ERNIE YOU YOU MIGHT
HAVE HAD THE STAT OF THE
NIGHT. THE IDO THE NEATO
ERNIE STAT OF THE NIGHT IS
WHEN YOU JUST SAID THEY'VE
WON THREE TIMES IN A SEVEN
GAME SERIES ON THE ROAD. I
DON'T KNOW IF UNDERDOG CAN
FIND. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S
HAPPENED MORE THAN TWICE IN
THE HISTORY OF BASKETBALL,
WHERE YOU COULD GO IN AND
BEAT NOT ONLY A TEAM, BUT
THE CHAMPS ON THEIR HOME
FLOOR THREE TIMES IN A SEVEN
GAME SERIES. I DON'T KNOW IF
THAT'S HAPPENED MORE THAN
TWICE IN THE HISTORY OF
BASKETBALL.
>> YOU KNOW, WHEN I'M
LOOKING AT THESE STATS,
ERNIE, MINNESOTA WASN'T
PLAYING GREAT, OBVIOUSLY.
BUT THEN YOU LOOK AT THE
STATS, YOU'RE LIKE, OH, THEY
WON A GAME IN THE THIRD
QUARTER. YEAH LIKE THEY THEY
OUTSCORED THEM 28 TO 14. I
MEAN OBVIOUSLY THEY BEAT
THEM A LITTLE BIT MORE IN
THE FOURTH QUARTER. BUT THE
NUGGETS THAT THE THIRD
QUARTER BECAUSE PEOPLE
ALWAYS THINK STUFF HAPPENED
IN THE LAST QUARTER OF A
GAME LOSES THE GAME. BUT
WHEN YOU WHEN YOU GOT A 20
POINT LEAD AND YOU GET
OUTSCORED 2814 BECAUSE BACK
THEN IT'S A IT'S AN EVEN
GAME.
>> YEAH. BUT 37 POINTS.
>> YEAH YEAH YEAH I SAID, I
SAID WAIT A MINUTE. IF YOU
IF YOU'RE UP 20 AT HALFTIME
AND THEN YOU THEY WERE UP
15.5 TIME. EXCUSE ME, AM I
RIGHT?
>> THEY WERE UP 15 AT THE
BREAK. THEY WERE UP 20 EARLY
IN THE THIRD, EARLY IN THE
THIRD.
>> BUT IT DIDN'T MATTER
BECAUSE THEY GOT OUTSCORED
BY 14 IN THE THIRD. SO
THAT'S WHY I ALWAYS TELL
PEOPLE WHEN YOU HAVE A BIG
LEAD AND YOU GIVE IT UP,
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN THE
FOURTH QUARTER AND THAT'S
WHAT HAPPENED.
>> BUT AND THE NOTES I TOOK
AS I'M WATCHING THIS GAME,
SO IT'S TIED AT 72 WITH TEN
MINUTES TO GO. AND THIS AND
THIS JUST POINTS OUT, YOU
KNOW, SPREADING THE WEALTH
THAT THERE WERE SO MANY GUYS
WHO WERE INVOLVED IN HOW
MINNESOTA WON THIS GAME. SO
WHAT HAPPENS? CONLEY 3'
GOBERT TWO FREE THROWS.
GOBERT HITS THAT CRAZY J
JAYDEN MCDANIELS A COUPLE OF
FREE THROWS. GOBERT TWO MORE