The Timberwolves put 48 minutes of grit, hustle and physicality on the floor Thursday at Target Center.
And took down the best offensive player in basketball because of it.
Minnesota dominated the glass, played harrassing defense and simply out-willed Denver to win Game 6, 110-98 and clinch the series, 4-2.
It’s the second time the Timberwolves have bounced the Nuggets in three seasons.
Minnesota next plays San Antonio in the conference semifinals. Game 1 is Monday in Texas.
It won’t have Anthony Edwards in that game, nor Donte DiVincenzo. It may not even have Ayo Dosunmu. It may not matter.
The Wolves were without all of those guys, as well as an ill Kyle Anderson on Thursday. But they had Jaden McDaniels, and an unrelenting will to win.
The former turned in a dominant performance, scoring 32 points — a new career high — to go with 10 rebounds in 45 minutes of action, all while stifling Jamal Murray on the other end. He talked the talk all series, and also walked the walk.
And his teammates had his back.
Minnesota swarmed the floor in every aspect. The Wolves out-rebounded Denver 50-33, with five guys grabbing at least six. They had 20 second-chance points to Denver’s four. They forced 13 turnovers that led to 16 points.
Rudy Gobert flirted with a triple-double, tallying 10 points, 13 rebounds and a stunning eight assists. Terrence Shannon Jr. had 24 points, supplying ample rim pressure for which Denver rarely had an answer.
Even down four guys, the will of Minnesota’s collective simply overwhelmed Denver. And, for the third-straight season, the Wolves are advancing to Round 2 because of it.
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