Historic Loss for Defending Champs
The Denver Nuggets, reigning NBA champions, suffered a crushing 70-115 defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals. This 45-point loss marks the largest margin of defeat for a defending champion in playoff history.
Poor Shooting Night
The Nuggets struggled mightily with their shooting, hitting only 30.2% of their field goals and a mere 19.4% from beyond the arc. By the end of the third quarter, they trailed 61-86, and within the first three minutes of the final quarter, all their starters were benched. This lopsided loss is now etched in the annals of playoff history for its sheer scale.
Brief Lead Quickly Overturned
The game began on a promising note for Denver as they jumped out to a 9-2 lead, prompting an early timeout from the Timberwolves. However, Minnesota responded with a devastating 20-0 run, completely turning the game in their favor and setting the tone for the remainder of the contest.
Jokic’s Lighthearted Remark
In the post-game press conference, Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic tried to inject some humor into the grim situation, remarking, “We did have a 9-2 lead at one point, right?” Despite the joke, Jokic was clear about the need for the team to perform better moving forward.
Acknowledging the Defeat
Reflecting on the game, Jokic acknowledged the Timberwolves’ superior performance. “They played great. They outperformed us in every aspect. We have to accept this loss and focus on improving for the next game,” he said. This acknowledgment highlights the competitive spirit required to bounce back in a high-stakes series.
Series Tied and Moving Forward
With the series now tied at 3-3, the Nuggets will need to regroup and strategize for the decisive Game 7. Jokic’s remarks underscore the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks, as the Nuggets aim to advance and defend their championship title. (Lvbet)
