This is the reason why Glen Taylor is reluctant to part ways with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards scored 25 points and Mike Conley contributed 23 in Minnesota’s dominant 111-98 victory over Denver on Friday night. This win propelled the Timberwolves into a tie for first place in the Western Conference, with the defending NBA champion Nuggets dropping to third place.
“T-Wolves coach Chris Finch highlighted the team’s resilience, stating, “We’ve been very mentally strong all season. Our objective is to play our best basketball as we head into the playoffs. Whether we finish first, second, or third, our focus is on playing well.”
The Nuggets (51-23) failed to reach the 100-point mark for the second consecutive game, falling half a game behind both the Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who secured a convincing 125-108 win against Phoenix on Friday.
Star point guard Jamal Murray remained sidelined due to ankle and knee injuries for the fourth consecutive game, exposing Denver’s lack of depth. MVP contender Nikola Jokić struggled initially against Minnesota’s aggressive double teams but managed to finish with 32 points despite dealing with a sore shooting wrist.
Denver coach Michael Malone expressed surprise at Jokic’s appearance in the game, given his wrist troubles, stating, “Nikola is someone who plays through a lot of pain.” Reflecting on Murray’s absence, Malone emphasized the importance of prioritizing players’ health over wins.
Rudy Gobert contributed 21 points for Minnesota, which extended its winning streak to four games. The Timberwolves seized control early in the game and never relinquished the lead, securing a significant victory on the same court where their playoff journey ended the previous season.
“It’s a fantastic feeling,” Gobert remarked. “They’re a formidable team, and their achievements last year were truly inspiring. However, we believe in our growth and maturity as a team this year, and we’re confident in our ability to compete against any opponent.”
