Denver Nuggets Fall to Minnesota Timberwolves, Forcing Game 7

Timberwolves Dominate Second Half, Secure Victory

The Denver Nuggets suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night in Minneapolis, forcing a Game 7 in the second-round playoff series. The Timberwolves, led by CJ McCollum's franchise record 37 points in a Game 7, outplayed the Nuggets in the second half to secure the victory.

Nuggets Once Again Dominate Second Half

The Nuggets, who had rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7 on Tuesday, were unable to repeat their late-game heroics against the Timberwolves. Despite trailing by just three points at halftime, the Nuggets were outscored 31-17 in the third quarter and never recovered.

Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., who had been instrumental in the Nuggets' Game 7 victory over the Clippers, were largely ineffective against the Timberwolves. Murray finished with 18 points on 6-of-18 shooting, while Porter Jr. scored just 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting.

Timberwolves Flex Defensive Muscle

The Timberwolves, who led the NBA in defensive efficiency during the regular season, flexed their defensive muscle against the Nuggets. Led by Anthony Edwards' 15 points, the Timberwolves held the Nuggets to just 42% shooting from the field and forced 15 turnovers.

Game 7 of the series will be played on Sunday night in Denver. The Nuggets will need to find a way to improve their defense and find more consistent scoring from Murray and Porter Jr. if they hope to advance to the Western Conference Finals.