DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets couldn’t quiet an epic second-half comeback by Minnesota or the noise emanating from a boisterous Timberwolves locker room.
It was a thunderous and stinging reminder of the obvious — their reign as champions was over, and much sooner than expected.
The young and confident Timberwolves came into Denver’s house and spoiled the party by eliminating the Nuggets with a 98-90 win Sunday night in Game 7 of their second-round series. Minnesota overcame a 20-point deficit to make the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004.
“No one ever said this was going to be easy trying to repeat,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.
The Nuggets became the fifth straight reigning champion to fail to reach the conference finals in their quest to repeat. As Malone answered questions following the game, the vibrations from the Timberwolves’ rowdy locker room celebration echoed from down the hall.
East China's Suzhou to hold cultural event in Singapore
China to enhance coordination with Arab League: Chinese FM
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
Veterans' fury as millionaire New Labour power couple lodge plans to build 'oppressive' 20
Cedric Mullins shines with his glove and bat as the Orioles down the Twins 7
Xi, Tokayev send congratulations to launch of Kazakhstan tourism year in China
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Canadian gov't announces plan to solve national housing crisis
Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
Masseur, 47, 'rapes British pensioner, 71, after massaging her' in Portugal